In this article, the author describes how the New Orleans Public Library (NOPL) struggled with a fraction of its former staff, limited hours, and a massive fundraising challenge after Hurricane Katrina slammed the Gulf Coast on August 29, 2005. While previously 171 people staffed locations, only 40 employees plus a smaller--and shifting--cadre of temps offer service at five buildings. On Fridays and Saturdays, staffers wear red "Rebuild NOPL" T-shirts. Officials with laptops engage residents who have lost property, people, and community. In this article, the author describes how the library serves the residents in New Orleans, with the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and other agencies that have occupied half of the library's main floor.