Fresno County Library gets $15,000 from state for Rough fire recovery efforts

The Fresno County Library will get a $15,000 collection development grant from the California State Library to help meet public needs for assistance and information in the aftermath of the Rough wildfire this past summer.

“As you’ve brought to the State Library’s attention, Fresno County residents are seeking help from the county’s libraries to both rebuild and cope with property and personal loss,” State Librarian Greg Lucas wrote in a letter notifying county Librarian Laurel Prysiazny of the grant. “These one-time funds are aimed at helping your library system meet that demand.”

The money will allow the library to purchase materials to provide information to patrons on such disaster-aftermath issues as filing claims for damages, how to find government services or deal with legal issues, according to the state library office.

“It’s clear, particularly in the wake of the Rough wildfire, how essential libraries are to Fresno County residents,” Lucas added. “Hopefully this grant will help you respond even more nimbly to the unique challenges created by wildfires and other unexpected natural disasters.”

This story was originally published December 24, 2015 at 3:24 PM with the headline "Fresno County Library gets $15,000 from state for Rough fire recovery efforts."