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Posted May 9, 2007.

Kiowa County Library Destroyed in Greensburg Tornado

The mile-and-a-half wide tornado that destroyed 95% of Greensburg, Kansas, the night of May 4 and left nine people dead also wiped out the main branch of the Kiowa County Library, located in the city’s downtown. Librarian Debbie Allison, whose historic home was also demolished by the storm, visited the ruined facility May 7 and reported that only a section of the walls was left standing, up to a height of three feet. She found that a few books remained, but they were completely soaked and unsalvageable.

Kansas Library Association Executive Director Rosanne Siemens told American Libraries that Main Street, where the library stood, was in the center of the tornado’s path. “There’s really nothing left there,” she added.

The KLA Educational Foundation has set up a special relief fund where monetary contributions can be made for the library’s recovery. Write to the KLA Greensburg Fund, 1020 S.W. Washburn, Topeka, KS 66604. The foundation requests that no books be sent at this time.

Letters to the Kiowa County Library may be sent to its Haviland branch, 115 N. Main St., Haviland, KS 67059.

The Greensburg High School library fared little better, with the east wall gone and the floor and tables covered with mud and debris, the Hutchinson News reported May 7, although some shelving was intact. A sign on the glass doors of the library still announced that no food, gum, candy, or drinks would be allowed.

Greensburg Schools Superintendent Darin Headrick told the Associated Press that when school resumes in August, the district would hold classes in other communities. “Our teachers will have jobs; our students will have classrooms to attend,” he said.

Posted May 9, 2007.