Posted May 26, 2003.

Alabama School Library Lost in Fire

The Highland Elementary School library in Gadsden, Alabama, was destroyed by fire May 15, along with most of the school. According to the state fire marshal’s office, the blaze originated in an area where construction workers were cutting away metal-frame windows with a welding tool. The fire was discovered around 8 p.m., more than three hours after the workers had gone.

The fire destroyed everything but the gym and two classrooms. The library was completely gutted, losing about 8,000 books worth approximately $70,000, six computers, five printers, barcode scanners, workstations, videos, and some collections of antique books.

Jana Moon, media specialist and technology coordinator at Highland, told American Libraries that the school would be rebuilt but that it would possibly take several years. Until then, the library will be set up in a trailer, which it may have to share with office space.

Moon said that book vendors have offered special discounts to the school for new books and that an e-mail request for help has received an excellent response. “We’ve got all kinds of supplies coming in,” she added. “There’s people calling. It’s been overwhelming. We’ll come back bigger and stronger, really.” 

Posted May 26, 2003.