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Flood Assistance 2008

Communities across Wisconsin, particularly those within the South Central Library System, have suffered significant flooding the past two weeks. In most cases libraries and their collections have been spared, but a number of libraries have experienced losses related to flooding, and several have suffered significant damage.

Of the four of the hardest hit -- LaValle, Pardeeville, Plain and Rock Springs -- the Angie W. Cox Library in Pardeeville is the only one that has reopened to the to the public.

In an effort to provide SCLS member libraries with assistance, we’ve created this page so people can make financial contributions, offer resources, expertise or equipment, or volunteer time to help libraries in need. We’ve also included a form that libraries can complete to indicate the kind of assistance they need.

If you'd like to volunteer your time, expertise, or resources, or you're a library in need, please use the appropriate links below.

• Financial contributions can be made through PayPal directly to the SCLS Foundation, and all contributions are tax deductible. Simply provide the required information and indicate whether you want the contribution to benefit a particular library, or just flooded libraries in general. To make your contribution, just click on the "Donate" button below. Before clicking the final confirmation button, be sure to click on the link and enter the name of the library you'd like to help, or just type "any." If you'd like to see what that screen will look like, click here.

• If your library needs volunteer offers of time, resources, equipment, or expertise, please complete the online form. We'll try and match your specific needs with the generous volunteer offers we have received. We'll send you the names and contact information for any volunteers that we believe will meet your needs. To help promote this library need to the larger community, we have drafted a press release that libraries can use locally to encourage contributions from local residents. Please feel free to modify the release for use in your community.
  
  
• If you would like to offer your time, resources, equipment, or expertise to SCLS member libraries that have been flooded, please complete this online form. We'll try and match your generous offer with library needs. We will send your name and contact information to the library, or libraries, and they will contact you directly.

• Columbus: According to Director Peggy Kindschi, the library had some water in the lower level. Staff used a carpet cleaner and dehumidifiier and the library.
  
  
• Lavalle: The building and materials may be a total loss, according to Director David Doering. He said some materials were dry and have been moved to storage. One delivery box full of items to be returned to other libraries was founding floating in the receding waters, and those were taken to Reedsburg to be sent to the appropriate libraries. FEMA is scheduled to conduct a walk-through of the building on Monday, June 23.
  
  
• Pardeeville:  There was extensive damage to the lower level as a result of five inches of sewage. The children’s department had to throw out about one-half of the toys that were recently purchased with grant money. The carpeting, trim and toilets have been removed, and because of mold and moisture the lower portion of the walls (up about 28 inches) will need to be replaced. The elevator shaft has sewage in the bottom the cost to remove it has been tentatively estimated at $1,000. It could be months before cleanup is finished. The public school has offered space for the children’s programs if it gets too hot in the upper level of the library (which isn't air conditioned).
  
  
• Plain: According to Director Maureen Palmer, there was about 4" or 5" of water throughout the library. The carpet has been removed, the furniture, computers and collection have been moved to storage, and a contractor has removed the lower portions of the interior walls. The library could be closed for as long as six weeks.
  
  
• Rock Springs: Director Norma Jean LeMoine said the collection and computers were moved upstairs to the gymnasium before flood waters rose to the ceiling in the library. The library is closed for the foreseeable future, and it could be months before they will be able to move back in.

For more information about marketing and public relations, contact Mark Ibach.

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