Amid a devastating 2020 fire season, the NorthNet Library System (NLS) hosted a statewide panel discussion on Oct. 21 to share lessons learned about libraries and wildfire preparedness.

During the meeting, panelists shared guidance about how libraries can increase community resilience, provide services during a disaster and better coordinate with city, county and community partners.

The panel, which was moderated by former director of the Napa County Library Danis Kreimeier, included:

  • Irma Morales from the Camarillo Public Library, who spoke about how she and the library adapted services during the 2018 Thomas Fire in Ventura County
  • Jon Haupt from the Sonoma County Library, who talked about the importance of resilience and shared his experiences as a branch manager during wildfires in 2017, 2019 and 2020
  • Sarah Solis from the San Diego County Library, who talked about how the library has coordinated services ahead of wildfires and hosted Local Assistance Centers (LACs) following recent wildfires

If your library is interested in learning more or collaborating with NLS on wildfire preparedness, please contact Jacquie Brinkley at brinkley@plpinfo.org.

Materials from the panel discussion can be downloaded below: