DEMOPOLIS-Among the many buildings sustaining serious damage from Hurricane Katrina was the Bayou La Batre Public Library. Much of the library was left under water when waves of water flooded the city and caused widespread damage.

Many books were also destroyed during the storm, but help is on the way. Demopolis Public Librarian Lindsy Gardner said a widespread effort has been launched by other Alabama libraries to restock the shelves of the Mobile County building. Gardner said she was informed other libraries were taking part in the effort and was more than happy to jump on board. Gardner said all books are appreciated, but they would like to bring in reading material that is in good condition.

“Some of the other libraries let everyone know they were saving some new books to send down to Bayou La Batre,” Gardner said. “We emphasize new because we want to give them good looking books that they will be interested in reading.”

Gardner said people could simply bring their books to the library if they would like to make a donation. She said they would see to it the books were delivered.

“People can just drop their books off here,” Gardner said. “They can bring them by and we will see to it they are put into the collection.”

The Demopolis Fire Department will be collecting goods in the Food World Parking lot. Suttles Trucking has loaned them a truck to be loaded supplies of all types.

First Baptist Church and Christian Chapel have both been designated as shelters and need a variety of supplies.

The Bargain Box, Salvation Army, Trinity Episcopal Church and American Red Cross are also taking donations.

Donations for the Red Cross can be dropped off at Regions Bank and The Farmhouse Restaurant. The Demopolis Christian Ministerial Association and Bryan Whitfield Memorial Hospital are also collecting items and monetary donations.

Citizens are also encouraged to call their local church to volunteer time at the shelters. Volunteers are needed to serve meals provided by the hospital and stay at night.

Please check back at http://www.westal.net/dpl for the most current information.