How public libraries are becoming community hubs in the midst of disasters

Beyond just green upgrades, libraries across the country have become centers for resilience and recovery in the face of climate change.

After Hurricane Helene tore through western North Carolina on September 27, residents rushed to a familiar place that had one of the only working internet connections in the area. In the parking lot of the West Asheville Public Library, hundreds of people logged on to the system’s Wi-Fi, password “readmore.”