Tomorrow, January 12th, marks the one year anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. I know many of you rallied in the aftermath to provide humanitarian aid. As you are probably aware, ALA has created a Haiti Library Relief Fund to help rebuild libraries that were destroyed by the earthquake.
ALA has chosen to raise funds for three libraries: the Petit Goave Public Library, the Centre Culturel Pyepoudre Community Library, and the Bibliothèque haïtienne des Pères du Saint-Esprit, which was founded in 1873 and held resources documenting the history of Haiti, French colonization, slavery and emancipation.
Even without buildings, staff have been continuing to provide services, visiting displacement camps to provide storytimes or handing out books in front of their demolished storefront library.
ALA has raised and sent over $25,000. The funds have helped to clear and prepare land and create designs for new facilities. Thanks to all who have contributed so far. Our Haitian colleagues are so very grateful for donations from individual members, library staff associations, friends groups, student chapters, and even Cub Scout Pack 77 of Ridgewood, New Jersey.
Unfortunately, much more is needed, as the estimated cost to rebuild just the Petit Goave Public Library is $350,000. I hope you will be able to take the time today or tomorrow to make a donation at www.ala.org/haiti
Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Michael Dowling
Director
ALA International Relations Office
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