Hurricane Irma Recovery: Hillsborough Libraries Ready To Serve

BRANDON, FL — Hillsborough County residents in need of resources to help them recover from Hurricane Irma’s effects may find the assistance they’re after at their local library. The county announced Friday that most libraries have power, computers and all-important internet access to help residents file applications for FEMA assistance, and to locate other resources that might be available to them.

“Libraries’ staff is ready to assist residents (with) a wide range of resources,” Kara Walker, county spokeswoman, wrote in a Friday morning email to media. (For more hurricane news or local news from Florida, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts and newsletters from Brandon Patch. Click here to find your local Florida Patch. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

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Most library locations across the county can offer help with such things as:

• Free computer and internet access
• Accessing disaster relief websites and submitting claims with FEMA
• Connecting with personal insurance providers online
• Faxing documents needed for claims
• Scanning, copying and printing important paperwork
• Connecting with friends and family online
• Charging personal electronic devices

Most libraries in the county will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Libraries that will be closed include Egypt Lake, Norma and Joseph Robinson Partnership, Seminole Heights, Town ‘N Country and West Tampa. To find the closest open branch, visit Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries online.

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