Among the victims of June’s disastrous floods was the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, central library. The main branch was mere blocks from the overflowing Cedar River, and library officials still have no idea how many volumes were lost.
For now, the library is operating out of its West Side branch in the area’s Westdale Mall. But it will be looking to rebuild.
You can help.
The library is accepting monetary donations through its Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation. The address is 500 First Street SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401.
If you’d prefer to donate books, other parts of the library system are accepting them. You can donate new or used books to the libraries in Marion, Iowa (1095 Sixth Avenue, Marion, IA 52302), and Hiawatha, Iowa (150 W. Willman Street, Hiawatha, IA 52233). The Marion and Hiawatha libraries are part of the area’s Metro Library Network.
More information can be found here.
- Todd Leopold, CNN.com Entertainment Producer