Hello Library Friends - In May of 2020, the Midland, MI community sustained substantial flood damage after two dams failed. Bridges were washed away, homes were ruined, but the Midland community came together to help one another (amid a pandemic no less!) The Grace A. Dow Memorial Library was no exception. We sustained substantial flooding to our lower level when water poured into the basement through our windows. We are now working our way through a 2 million dollar renovation project to restore our library and mechanical systems. However, this e-mail is not about my Library. This e-mail is about Windover High School's Library. Windover is a specialized high school that accommodates Teens who often experience homelessness, abuse, and neglect. The School has a food pantry, shower for students, and a basic needs pantry (clothes, chap stick, deodorant, etc.). They even have a laundry so students can wash their clothes at school if needed. In May, 90% of their library was washed away. Water was almost 4 feet high in their building and their books were housed on short picture book shelves. It wasn't until right before Christmas that they reached out to me to see if our library could help them. They have received many book donations but many are too old, (think 1970's encyclopedias), or not geared toward teens. They need materials and don't have money to purchase much as they too are dealing with a large and expensive renovation project. If anyone reading this e-mail has extra Teen books we would greatly appreciate them in Midland! I know librarians are big readers and some of you may have books sitting around your homes you are willing to donate. Maybe some of your libraries are weeding your Teen collection and somewhere to send your books. We would love any teen materials we can get. If you have donations you can mail them to 1710 West St. Andrews Midland, MI 48640, send them through rides ZV225, or if you are in our area you can drop them off in our exterior book drop. Even if you only have one book, it will help. If you want to see how the flood affected our Library you can watch our video here https://fb.watch/386fSYHBvq/ Thank you for any/all of your help!! -Miriam [cid:image011.jpg@01D6EF23.14D5D460] Miriam Andrus Director, Grace A. Dow Memorial Library 1710 W. St. Andrews Road, Midland, MI 48640 989.837.3431 direct | www.gadml.org<http://www.gadml.org/> [cid:image012.png@01D6EF23.14D5D460]<http://www.facebook.com/gracedowlibrary>[cid:image013.png@01D6EF23.14D5D460]<http://www.twitter.com/cityofmidlandmi>[cid:image014.png@01D6EF23.14D5D460]<http://www.instagram.com/gracedowlibrary>[cid:image015.png@01D6EF23.14D5D460]<http://www.youtube.com/citymidland>
