Book sale benefits New Orleans Middlebury lends rebuilding libraries a helping hand

Author: Ashley Bell

The weeks after Hurricane Katrina saw food, clothing and medicine rushed to the Gulf States. Yet another aspect of New Orleans life left in ruins were the dozens of public libraries destroyed this past hurricane season and which local volunteers are struggling to rebuild.

After facing the complete destruction of several library branches, the New Orleans Public Library (NOPL) is soliciting help from the nation. In a recent press release, NOPL Director Bill Johnson stated, "We struggle to rebuild, to connect with services, to see our children access educational opportunities - and to simply enjoy a respite through good books, music and movies - libraries will continue to be there for us."

Several Middlebury students and staff of the Library & Information Services responded to NOPL's plight by organizing a book sale. The sale is open to the public, and the local community is encouraged to participate.

The sale will be located in the Atrium of the Main Library and will begin at noon on April 11 continuing through normal library hours until April 16.

In order to prepare for this sale, organizers are collecting donated books from the college community. Collection boxes are located in all of the Middlebury campus libraries, in the dining halls and in McCullough from April 3 to 7.

The book sale is reminiscent of a volunteer program held this past fall and conducted by the Hurricane Relief Coalition, which raised approximately $3,000. Unfortunately, the NOPL system was still too devastated to communicate with at the time, so the money was instead donated to a high school writing program.

This upcoming book sale is expected to make even more money than the last, and the entirety of the proceeds will go directly to NOPL. The library system prefers monetary donations in order to allow the library the most freedom and choice with rebuilding their collection.

The book sale is only one aspect of a larger project to re-focus attention on the Gulf Coast. The week of April 10 to 14 has been deemed "Hang onto the Gulf Coast ... Before We Lose It Forever," and is dedicated to remembering those affected by the hurricanes. New Orleans resident and project leader Emily Peterson '08 said, "I noticed a dangerous trend that I fear is happening throughout the whole nation: The Gulf Coast is already slipping off of people's minds. I had the idea of organizing this follow-up week to raise awareness about the current situation in the Gulf Coast and to bring the issue back into our daily consciousness."

The week of discussions and lectures will focus on current relief efforts in New Orleans as well as the growing concern of climate change and the possibility of severe storms that will arise.

The week will also include a letter writing campaign where students and faculty are encouraged to prepare a letter to Congress about the loss of critical wetlands in the Gulf.