Locals donate books to flood-affected libraries in eastern Kentucky – Franklin County Times

Recent flooding has hit Kentucky hard, and one segment that has had a big impact has been libraries. “A lot of libraries have lost everything,” said Joshlyn Bowen, director of the Russellville Public Library.

Jason Swinney, pastor of North Russellville Baptist Church and environmental health and safety manager at Clayton Supply in Guin, wanted to help. “One of my colleagues from work came up with the idea of ​​taking donations for the Kentucky flood victims,” ​​Swinney explained. “After some research, we found that one of the hardest hit areas had lost its library.”

He said that’s when the wheels started turning.

“I’ve known Joshlyn Bowen all my life and knew that she had accepted a position at the Russellville Public Library. I connected with her and asked for her help,” Swinney explained. “Without hesitation, she put together a plan to encourage people in the community to donate books.”

Carla Waldrop, director of the Haleyville Public Library, saw Bowen’s Facebook post and wanted to contribute to the book drive as well. HPL donated several boxes of books and brought them to the Russellville Library.

“It makes me happy to see other libraries joining in a great cause,” added Bowen.

Waldrop said it’s an honor to be able to contribute to RPL and “to be a small part of their effort to help Kentucky libraries serve their communities again.”

With the efforts of the Russellville and Haleyville Libraries and Clayton Supply in Guin, more than 500 books have been collected.

“It just shows what we can achieve when we work together,” Swinney said. “Our factory rented a U-Haul and loaded it with the books and other items. They were delivered on August 20.”

Among the libraries that lost all their books are two elementary school libraries and one middle school library in Letcher County, Kentucky. If you wish to submit new or slightly used elementary and middle school age books, you can send them to Board of Education, 752 Hazard Road, Whitesburg, KY 41858.