T-R PHOTO BY LANA BRADSTREAM Marshalltown Public Library Director Sarah Rosenblum looks at all the books returned since the Aug. 10 derecho. Until the power is restored, the books cannot be processed.

The lights are out at the Marshalltown Public Library — temporarily — following the devastating derecho that hit Iowa. However, it is not stopping the library staff from trying to make a difference.

It is a little different for the library than it was two years ago in a similar situation post-storm. After the 2018 tornado, a generator they had borrowed was able to keep the library open and welcoming for those who needed chargers, internet access and more.

This year, the library has not had the same luck — they tried to get a generator but were unsuccessful — and there was no power in the building Monday morning, despite most of the other buildings and homes in their neighborhood regaining power during the weekend, according to Library Director Sarah Rosenblum.

She said the expectation — and her hope — was power will be restored Monday or Tuesday. It has been difficult trying to help without any power of their own, but Rosenblum said the library staff found ways to be as available as possible to answer questions.

“We’ve kept the telephone number open,” Rosenblum said. “People can call the library number from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and we can answer simple questions. We have also put up the severe weather page on our website. We try very hard to put vetted info on that page.”

The staff are working in City Hall for the moment, which allows calls to the library’s main line to be answered.

The Severe Weather Disaster Relief page on the library website provides updates for Marshalltown residents in English and Spanish. Among the updates on Monday were a list of laundromats open, storage space for displaced families via U-Haul and power-restoration updates from Alliant Energy. There is also an update on the Salvation Army’s return to business and the opening of Sal’s Cupboard.

One of the most important things Rosenblum said the library has done is post Spoiled Food Replacement forms on the front door of the building, encouraging members of the community who receive Food Assistance from the Department of Human Services to fill them out. People will receive replacements if the form is sent within 10 business days of discovery of spoiled food. Rosenblum said more than 100 forms have been taken from the library’s doorstep, prompting the Department of Human Services to send a thank you to the library for spreading the word in the Marshalltown community.

“There are many Iowans who sustained extensive damage to their homes, who are still without power and who need to feed their families,” said Janee Harvey, DHS Division Administrator of Adult, Child and Family Services. “Our disaster related resources exist for these exact scenarios and we are working hard to connect with those in need.”

Forms can also be found at dhs.iowa.gov.

As for the library, the restoration of power will not mean an immediate re-opening. Rosenblum said it could take a day or two to get the whole operation back up and running.

“We had slight damage to the building but nothing severe,” Rosenblum said. “It could take some time to make sure everything in the library is up to speed. The library is like a big house.”

She said they hope to be open mid-week so members of the community can come in and use the charging stations, computers and pick up books.

Until the library can open its doors, though, she said not to worry about book returns.

“They can keep their checked-out books for now,” Rosenblum said.

Contact Noah Rohlfing at 641-753-6611 or nrohlfing@timesrepublican.com.