In the midst of what is happening in Ferguson, MO, the library has remained open to all.
A Nationwide Outpouring Of Support For Tiny Ferguson Library
The Ferguson Public Library is just a block away from the center of demonstrations at the Ferguson Police Department. As we’ve reported, when violent protests this week led to the burning of more than a dozen businesses and the uncertainty caused schools to close, the library stayed open.
It has become a quiet refuge for adults and children alike in this St. Louis suburb. And the nation has taken notice. The outpouring of support for the library has reached “orders of magnitude” more than any previous amount, says library Director Scott Bonner.
He’s the only full-time librarian there — and he started his job in July, just weeks before the town became an internationally known name. Bonner says the donations may allow him to hire another person to help.
The Ferguson Public Library could use our support
Source: http://www.reddit.com/r/books/comments/2nfocf/the_ferguson_public_library_could_use_our_support/
Hey, all! I’m the director of the Ferguson Municipal Public Library. Thank you, everyone, for the praise and encouragement for us and for libraries in general!
One advantage of a small, independent library like ours is that we have the luxury of being able to be all about the local community. So, when Ferguson needs us, we do our best to be there. And, yup, Ferguson needs us. One thing that doesn’t get out much in the media is that this community will come together when they have a common cause. We saw it at the library. When the kids needed help, everyone from every side came running to do all they could, and built an ad-hoc school in our building. That, right there, gives me hope that Ferguson can – and will – come together in the end.
For those asking how best to donate: 1) Go to your local public library and help them. 2) Use the paypal and bitcoin links in the original post if you want to help us. Thanks, AdamBertocci! 3) If you want to send us books, the Powell’s list is the place to start. http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/wishlist?email=booksforferguson@gmail.com&list=Books%20for%20Ferguson%20III Thanks, Wonderland01, for the Powell’s link. That book list was put together by Angie Manfredi, a New Mexico librarian who knows her stuff.
We appreciate the hell out of anything you want to do to help us. At least one person was worried about the money going to bad guys. If that was paranoia talking, well, I can’t help that. But I will say that librarians are famous for making the most of every dollar. We’re frugal to a fault, and I am worse than most. I can guarantee that every penny will be spent to help the library help Ferguson. While you’re at it, take a look at Operation Food Search, some of the local churches, and the local public schools for groups that are saving the day, every day.
If you’ve got 8 minutes to waste, here’s a tour of our library (watch on computer so the annotations work – they’re the best part): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtrUgdJZMQQ
Question: would there be interest in me doing an AMA, as a librarian/library director, and someone who works in Ferguson? Or are the questions basically pre-answered, as it were?
Source: http://www.reddit.com/r/books/comments/2nfocf/the_ferguson_public_library_could_use_our_support/
Booker's Blog 