Flood-Damaged Louisville Library Needs Books, Author Susan Mallery Helps

New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery donates books and money to the Louisville Free Public Library, to help them rebuild their collection after a 2009 flood. Louisville, KY, March 25, 2010

Late next week, Louisville Free Public Library staff members are expected to move back into the Main Branch, nearly eight months after a flash flood caused extensive damage. Although the cost of repairs have been covered by flood insurance, metro capital improvements, and help from the Library Foundation, the Library still needs help to rebuild its collection, according to New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery.As part of the promotion for her next book, Chasing Perfect, due in stores on April 27, Mallery asked her readers to nominate their favorite library to win a free copy of one of her books. A fan of Mallery’s Facebook page nominated the Louisville Free Public Library and told Mallery about the flood damage the library had suffered on August 4 of last year.

“As soon as I heard that the library had lost 50,000 books to the flood, I felt compelled to help,” Mallery says. “When I was a child, librarians fostered a love of reading in me and guided me to books that surprised me, educated me, enthralled me and, book by book, expanded my concept of the world. Because of libraries, I am a writer.”Mallery has sent a donation of books to the library, as well as a donation of cash to the Library Foundation to help purchase children’s books in honor of the librarians who touched her life.“It is so heartwarming to know that people care,” says Martha Geier, Manager of Collection Services. Geier says that Mallery’s books circulate very well with the library patrons.

How to HelpWith books:Library staff members are still going through the inventory list to determine exactly which books were destroyed and to determine the needs of the collection. Classics are always in demand, Geier says, as are popular children’s books. A wish list has been created on Amazon.com with some of the titles that the library needs. To find the wish list, go to Amazon.com and click on “Gift & Wish Lists” at the top of the page, then search for “Louisville Free Public Library” in the right-hand column.With money:Often, because of library discounts, donations of money go farther than donations of books. The Louisville Free Public Library Foundation www.LFPLfoundation.org is happy to accept donations on behalf of the library. These donations are tax-deductible. To donate online, enter an amount in the space provided in the middle of the Foundation’s home page and then click the Donate button.

To donate by mail, send a check to:The Library FoundationLouisville Free Public Library301 York StreetLouisville, KY 40203