SPRING, Texas - Workers at the Barbara Bush Public Library in Cypress Creek are keeping the cause of the library’s namesake alive as they try to finish restoration of the building before summer.
The library has remained closed after it was severely damaged during Hurricane Harvey.
The entire first floor, which includes the children’s section, was flooded. The library lost more than 44,000 books.
“Almost all of them had to be gotten rid of because of the risk of mildew and mold,” said Cathy Clark, Barbara Bush Public Library assistant branch manager. “We’re keeping (Bush’s literacy advocacy platform) alive by getting the library opened after the flood.”
Library workers continued unpacking the hundreds of boxes of brand new books and stocking them into shelves of the children’s section the week of Bush’s death.
Some of them reflect on the times when the former First Lady would visit the library to host “story time” with the children.
“She would come to the story times and read to the kids and just have that special moment where she’s showing that literacy in action," Clark said.
The Harris County Public Library system has multiple literacy programs for children and adults.
“We take it for granted, because a lot of people who are illiterate, they’re too embarrassed to admit they can’t read,” said Edward Melton, library director for Harris County Public Libraries. “(Barbara Bush) recognized that it starts with, in terms of literacy services, with the kids, teaching them how to read, and when you see those parents have those same challenges, you can provide those wrap-around services.”
Staff members say they hope to have the library re-opened in May before the summer reading program begins.