10,000 and Counting
By Elaine Viets
This was the Joplin High School library until 5:41 p.m. on May 22.
Here's what it looked like Wednesday, 45 days after the worst tornado in 60 years ripped through Joplin. The twister tore a path six miles long and a mile wide through this southwest Missouri town of 50,000 people.
This is a small glimpse at what Joplin lost: 8,000 thousand homes.18,000 cars. 450 businesses. 159 lives.
My friend Deb Marshall took that photo of the ruined high school. She's president of the Missouri Writers' Guild. The MWG, along with the St. Louis Writers' Guild, has collected 10,000 books for the city's school libraries. Deb organized the book collection from St. Louis, nearly 300 miles away on the other side of the state.
"Providing books to the schools' libraries is a step toward rebuilding the entire Joplin community," she said. Deb says the schools are struggling to open on their "originally scheduled date of August 17. The books are a small way we can help them return to normal life after this catastrophe.
"You wouldn't believe the devastation in Joplin," she said. "The media is correct; pictures can't begin to tell the story. Although I am a journalist with a 'need to know,' I felt like a trespasser on hallowed ground."
Deb wasn't trespassing. She was delivering books at MWG's expense. She got the word out at the cost of her time. Deb is a writer, and should be working on her own book.
Wounded Joplin is serious about rebuilding, and Americans are pitching in.
"I am receiving books from all over the country," Deb said "I got an e-mail from a Catholic middle school librarian in Muskegon, Michigan, who's from Missouri and consolidating two libraries due to school closings. Would we like books and library furniture?"
MWG is delivering that.
"Someone in Chicago sent 700 books for the high school." Another company donated $5,000 worth of ebooks.
"To say I'm grateful for the response is an understatement," Deb said.
None of the MWG's Joplin members were hurt. One woman, Ann, has a "home in splinters." But she'd not wasting time feeling sorry for herself. She's on the board of George A. Spiva Center for the Arts, the "beautiful art center and gallery in downtown Joplin. Ann has visions of readings and cocktail party book launches at the gallery. She was excited to show me their new gallery and introduced me to everyone there, including artist-in-residence Sam Lewis, who is also an elementary art teacher." Deb said Sam lost "an extensive library that included some valuable art books."
Joplin is mourning its losses – but making plans to rebuild. Many TLC regulars have already helped. I'm asking you for more.
"The Joplin School District libraries still need books," Deb said, "especially since books in an additional elementary school library were unable to be saved due to asbestos contamination. Books are needed for libraries in two elementary schools, a middle school and the high school. The district's Teacher Resource Center was destroyed. Head Librarian Debbie Heim said DVDs are also needed.
"Books and teacher resource materials may be sent directly to Joplin. Ship them to:
"Debbie Heim/Library
"MWG Joplin Book Drive, Memorial Education Center, 310 West 8th St., Joplin, MO. 64801."
Don't want to pack and ship books? Not sure what to send?
"Cash donations to the Missouri Writers' Guild Joplin Book Drive or gift cards for books to Deb Marshall, President, Missouri Writers' Guild, 1203 Spartina Drive, Florissant, MO 63031. MWG is a 501(c)3 organization. All contributions go directly to the Joplin School District Libraries for books and learning resources."
Even $5 can buy a little hope.
