Stronger Than the Storm: Recovery, Restoration, and Readiness in Public Libraries

Explores how Volusia County Public Library responded when hurricanes disrupted buildings and services to the community. Using the experiences of Daytona Beach Regional Library and John H. Dickerson Heritage Library as case studies, this presentation examines storm damage, recovery efforts, operational continuity, and the strategies implemented to strengthen resilience and preparedness for future events.

Melissa Reynolds
Melissa Reynolds is Assistant Director of Volusia County Public Library, supporting initiatives focused on literacy, outreach, community engagement, and operational readiness. Holds a B.S. from University of Central Florida and an M.L.I.S. from University of North Carolina at Greensboro. More than 25 years of public library experience includes leadership roles with Jacksonville Public Library and Volusia County Public Library. Oversees literacy initiatives including 1000 Books Before Kindergarten™, Growing Readers, Raising Readers, Reading Rocks, and Books for Bright Beginnings, while also serving as a library liaison to the award-winning Social Workers in the Libraries program. Supports the Library Director and Library Facilities team in facility management, emergency preparedness, and post-storm recovery operations for library facilities and services following major hurricanes impacting Volusia County. Serves on the board of NEFLIN and was recognized last year as a recipient of the Influential Women in Business Awards presented by The Daytona Beach News-Journal.