Have you heard about the devastation to several small town Public Libraries caused by the flooding from Hurricane Irene? In communities already devasted by destruction of personal homes and property, the Library becomes a refuge and an escape. Except when the Library is devastated too. Seeing these photos of the Wells Memorial Library in Upper Jay, NY is just... yeah.
The biggest lost for this library in Upper Jay, NY? Children's books.
Children's books!
Only five (5!) picture books survived the flood... they were waiting to be re-shelved. All the rest were on lower shelves -- to be accessible to little hands -- and were a total loss.
Oh my.
My first reaction was to go through my personal Library and pick out duplicates and other favorite tomes to donate. A stack quickly built. But...
Then I read this. And guess, what? Flooded libraries don't have anywhere to store new books while they clean up! Well. That makes sense now, doesn't it.
So here’s how we can help:
1. Send a donation directly. Checks may be made payable to the library.
OR
2. Donate via local bookstores in the affected communities. In many cases, they are providing discounts to the Library and are willing to hold/store books until the Library is able to receive new deliveries. Now that's pretty awesome service!
The mailing addresses for donations:
Wells Memorial Library
P.O. Box 57
Upper Jay, NY 12987
OR
Contact local independent bookseller The Bookstore Plus at 518-523-2950 to purchase books and/or contribute to a library gift card
The West Hartford Public Library
P.O. Box 26
West Hartford, VT 05084
(802) 295-7992
OR
Contact local independent bookseller The Norwich Bookstore at 802-649-1114. to purchase books and/or contribute to a library gift card.
Let's spread the word and make a difference, friends.
[Heard about it first at Sarah Jane Studios, and she heard about it via Kate Messner. Pictures of the Wells Memorial Library and addresses for both Libraries borrowed via Kate - with thanks!]