Montgomery County Public Libraries’ staff responded promptly to accommodate the needs of the community after the accident, quickly identifying residents’ immediate needs, including information about medical attention, translation services, donations, volunteering and telephone and computer access. The library became a space to meet, obtain the latest news, coordinate efforts with other organizations and arrange meetings and programs covering community concerns, mental health support groups and legal clinics.

MCPL took a proactive role immediately after the explosion. Bilingual outreach services were offered for interpretation and to provide children activities. Space was provided for local government agencies and community organizations to coordinate efforts and provide programs and services. A multilingual community collection of children’s books was installed near the apartment. Fines and fees were removed from the accounts of affected residents and new library cards were issued.

As a result of the explosion, Long Branch Library has operated as a forum connecting and reinforcing relations between the multicultural and low-income community, library staff and MCPL system as a whole. The library has continued to host community meetings with local community organizations, bilingual support groups, legal clinics and other services that have benefited the community. Long Branch residents now visit the branch more often and foot traffic and services have significantly increased.