Cross-country relay restocks library shelves

Alice wandered afar from the Arizona wonderland. Ever curious, George joined the adventure too, along with Matilda, Madeline, Clifford, Sam I Am, and a host of other children’s book characters.

A caravan of youth literature departed Prescott Valley, Arizona, destined for Pascagoula, Mississippi, on a mission to restock library shelves emptied by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. From start to finish, the books—and their caretakers—were greeted by Kiwanis clubs and more books.

“The Town of Prescott Valley adopted Pascagoula to help after the hurricanes,” explains Steve Parker, a member of the Bradshaw Mountain, Prescott Valley Kiwanis club. “Initially, Prescott Valley sent 11 vehicles—vans, pick-up trucks, cars—because Pascagoula lost its fleet of town cars. Several city council members, including my wife, traveled with the car carrier, and they came back realizing the schools were either lost to the flooding or seriously damaged.”

Libraries also suffered, sometimes closing due to a lack of material. Some books were damaged on the shelves, but the largest loss was among the books in circulation, many of which were destroyed or washed away when patrons’ homes were flooded.

Upon learning of the libraries’ problems, the Arizona community initiated a book drive. When the request went out for new and “gently loved” children’s books, Prescott Valley citizens responded generously, donating US$5,000, as well as more than 18,000 books.

Bradshaw Mountain Kiwanis club and the Prescott Valley club volunteers helped collect donations, transport them to a holding area, and load them for the transcontinental journey.

“Once I knew the route of the truck,” Steve says, “I called Kiwanis members in the towns along the way and asked them to do four things: provide cell phone numbers in case of emergency, giving the two drivers a communication lifeline; meet the truck when it arrived and provide the drivers with a little care package of snacks and drinks for the road; request media coverage for Kiwanis; and make any other creative gesture they could think of.

When the drivers returned, they told of royal receptions with dinners, friendships, and hospitality all across the country. Upon arrival in Pascagoula, they were met by Kiwanians, already prepared with volunteers and forklifts.

“It truly was the Kiwanis spirit in action,” Steve says, “serving the children—and the adults—of the world.”