The continuing news about the loss of life and livelihoods coming from the tornado-struck areas last week is heartbreaking. Now, Library Journal reports that at least six libraries in Alabama were heavily damaged, and two or three of them may be a total loss. The affected libraries are Pell City Library; The Carl Elliott Regional Library System in Jasper; The Killen Public Library; The Ragland Public Library; The Cordova Public Library; and the Pratt City Branch of the Birmingham Public Library.
The Pratt City Branch in Birmingham may have to be demolished, although they were able to save around 22,000 books. Pleasant Grove Library director Donna Sartain reported that Canatha Earley, a long-time board member and volunteer honored only last year as a Library Champion, was among the tornado’s victims. There are more sad stories from libraries in other states affected, although in many cases the libraries that escaped unscathed have been serving as important community resources in the aftermath, providing a respite for those who lost homes and Internet access and electricity to charge computers and cellphones.
For those wishing to offer assistance to libraries in Alabama, contact Rebecca Mitchell, the state librarian, at rmitchell@apls.state.al.us, and for information on how to help all tornado victims, contact the Red Cross.
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