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Helping our Neighbors to the South
November 26, 2008 02:03 PM | NewsMollie Pherson, Regional Librarian
In June, the Cedar Rapids Public Library was completely destroyed due to massive flooding in the Cedar Valley. Not only was the library destroyed, but the majority of downtown businesses and homes. Although the town is slowly rebuilding, some people are still without homes and jobless. According to the Cedar Rapids Public Library Website, "the destruction at the 85,000 square foot library, which occupies a square block in the city's central business district, is believed to be the largest public library disaster in the U.S."
On June 20, 2008, I put a call out to all SELCO and SELS members and SELCO staff asking for donations, and the response was overwhelming. People around the region donated fiction, nonfiction, children's books, DVDs, etc. I don't know how many boxes I had stacked in my office labeled "CR FLOOD," but it was a lot! I was back in the Cedar Rapids area two weekends ago, and I helped sort each and every box and counted every item you donated to the library in need. Overall, the SELCO/SELS region donated just under 1,000 items!
It's a time for giving thanks, and I just wanted to let you know how much I am thankful for working in such a wonderful and giving region. You have truly helped out your neighbors to the South! Hats off to you all! Happy Thanksgiving!
