Two Libraries Shelved By June Floods
Libraries Waiting To Hear About FEMA Aid
Updated: 12:05 pm CDT July 28, 2008
ROCK SPRINGS, Wis. -- The flooding in June forced the libraries in Rock Springs and Lavalle to close.
VIDEO: Watch The Report"When I came in, we had a goal to make this the community gathering place," said Rock Springs Library Director Norma Jean LeMoine.After much hard work, LeMoine did make the Rock Springs Library a community gathering place. She said circulation at the library shot up and as it did, donations poured in."We raised enough money to replace the carpet and get new shelving," said LeMoine.All of the work was completed in time for the library's grand opening on the first Saturday in June. Less than 24 hours later, the library was destroyed by rushing water."It was a swimming pool, an indoor swimming pool, but not the water you'd want to swim in," said LeMoine.LeMoine said the water in the Rock Springs Library fell only 8 inches short of the ceiling."It was devastating," she said.As the river rose, Rock Springs volunteers were able to get all of the books out.But the Lavelle Library wasn't so lucky. Only some of the highest items on the shelves survived."I think the general public is wanting a library back," said Lavelle Library Director David Doering. "All of the feedback I've gotten is that we need a library, and the village board has stated that."Doering said the Lavelle Library building is more than 100 years old."It's been a long time, and you hate to lose it. So, that's why we don't want to lose it," said Doering.The library lost about 700 books on the bottom shelves.The Rock Springs Library estimated its losses around $55,000, which doesn't include damages to the building itself.LeMoine said the Rock Springs Library will open again in the same building, but she isn't sure when that will happen.Doering said he isn't sure how much damage the library has sustained, and it might have to move to a new building.Both libraries are waiting to hear how much money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency they will receive to rebuild."What degree we can bring it back depends on FEMA funds and donations that we receive," said LeMoine.But both library directors said their stories are not over yet."I want this to be a place for them to come and gather and that's what I hope to be again," said LeMoine.
VIDEO: Watch The Report"When I came in, we had a goal to make this the community gathering place," said Rock Springs Library Director Norma Jean LeMoine.After much hard work, LeMoine did make the Rock Springs Library a community gathering place. She said circulation at the library shot up and as it did, donations poured in."We raised enough money to replace the carpet and get new shelving," said LeMoine.All of the work was completed in time for the library's grand opening on the first Saturday in June. Less than 24 hours later, the library was destroyed by rushing water."It was a swimming pool, an indoor swimming pool, but not the water you'd want to swim in," said LeMoine.LeMoine said the water in the Rock Springs Library fell only 8 inches short of the ceiling."It was devastating," she said.As the river rose, Rock Springs volunteers were able to get all of the books out.But the Lavelle Library wasn't so lucky. Only some of the highest items on the shelves survived."I think the general public is wanting a library back," said Lavelle Library Director David Doering. "All of the feedback I've gotten is that we need a library, and the village board has stated that."Doering said the Lavelle Library building is more than 100 years old."It's been a long time, and you hate to lose it. So, that's why we don't want to lose it," said Doering.The library lost about 700 books on the bottom shelves.The Rock Springs Library estimated its losses around $55,000, which doesn't include damages to the building itself.LeMoine said the Rock Springs Library will open again in the same building, but she isn't sure when that will happen.Doering said he isn't sure how much damage the library has sustained, and it might have to move to a new building.Both libraries are waiting to hear how much money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency they will receive to rebuild."What degree we can bring it back depends on FEMA funds and donations that we receive," said LeMoine.But both library directors said their stories are not over yet."I want this to be a place for them to come and gather and that's what I hope to be again," said LeMoine. Copyright 2008 by Channel 3000. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
