Louisville Courier-Journal Editorial: "Our library needs you."

Link to August 8 editorial.

Excerpt: One of the truly iconic images of Louisville comes from the 1937 flood, during which water rose so high that Lincoln walked on water. That is to say, the statue of Mr. Lincoln at the Louisville Free Public Library downtown had water up to his feet.

There was a lot of heartbreak and heroism back then, as Louisville recovered from perhaps the greatest natural disaster it has suffered, but the city rallied. That's what it is doing again, in the backwash of a sudden deluge earlier this week. And once again there is a special focus on the library, which suffered terribly — some $5 million in damage, including the loss of 50,000 books, dozens of computers, four elevators, three bookmobiles, furniture and finishings, and mechanical systems such as boilers, chillers and air handlers. Yes, there's insurance. But if you've ever worked through a claim on damage to your own home, you know that coverage is seldom complete. That certainly will be true at the library's main branch.

Send your contribution to:
Flood Recovery Fund
The Library Foundation,
301 York St.
Louisville, Ky.40203