We’ve heard many heartbreaking stories from Iowa and other midwestern states in the past two weeks. People have lost their homes, their pets, their farms, and even their lives. These losses have taken center stage in media coverage, and deservedly so, but the damage suffered by libraries in the region also deserves mention.
The Des Moines Register published a story yesterday about two public libraries whose collections were almost entirely destroyed by flood waters. Understandably, local government officials’ priorities are to restore essential services such as water, sewer and electricity, but soon the libraries affected will have to take stock and begin the arduous process of starting over.
It’s heartening to know from the article that concerned neighbors, realizing the role that libraries play in these communities, have already inquired about donating books to replace those that were lost. It’s also significant that in towns where local libraries were not submerged, they served as “important information hubs, where residents can go online and apply for aid, send e-mails or use maps to traverse around closed roads.” What a relief and a blessing that institutions like libraries can be counted on to serve the public in times of need.
Starting over is a daunting task, but hopefully it can also be seen as a chance for a new beginning.
Tags: iowa floods
