COLUMBUS, Ohio — When tornadoes tore through the Cleveland suburbs last August, hundreds lost power in the summer heat. Local libraries became more than a place to check out books—they became a lifeline.
Westlake Porter Public Library extended its hours until 11 p.m., offering air conditioning, charging stations and a safe place to gather. Staff turned meeting rooms into dining halls, brought in food trucks and shared donated pizza.
“We made a special exception,” marketing manager Heather Feenaughty said. “We opened up a couple of rooms and set up tables for people to eat. We had signage in the lobby saying where they could take their food.”…