January 5, 2007

KSU Donates Books To Libraries

Devastated By Hurricanes Katrina And Rita

In his red pickup truck, Dr. Kenneth Andries, Kentucky State University animal science specialist, made a special delivery this holiday season.

He carted 8,000 romance, mystery, history, political science and children’s books to his home state of Louisiana to help restock libraries devastated by Hurricanes Rita and Katrina.

Though Andries and his wife grew up in St. Landrey Parish, Andries spent part of his youth at a relative’s cabin in Holly Beach, which is part of Cameron Parish. Cameron, the largest county in Louisiana, is in the southwestern corner of the state and felt the effects of both hurricanes.

Predominantly a marshland parish, Cameron relies on the oil and seafood trade. Though the oil industry has rebuilt, the seafood industry was virtually eliminated during the hurricanes. All of the schools were demolished and only seven buildings remain standing in the parish – only five are habitable.

Therefore, the parish did not have the money to recover from the damage, and it has not received the donations New Orleans has, Andries said.

Andries knows DeDe Sanders, a librarian from Cameron Parish. She told him about the destruction, particularly how the four parish libraries are now basically piles of rubble. So, Andries set out this fall to help replenish their stock.

The reading material is desperately needed because the libraries are currently operating out of a bookmobile, Andries said. With little to do in the devastated area, the residents rely heavily on the libraries for entertainment. With a limited selection of books, the residents quickly run through their options.

Andries initially planned to only collect books through Franklin County 4-H chapters.

“I thought I would get about 100 books,” Andries said. “When we received more than 3,000, I knew at that point it was beyond what I could haul in the back of my pickup. So I thought I might as well expand the book drive.” 

He approached his two KSU office neighbors – Eric Stout and Dr. Marion Simon.

Stout advises the Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Science student professional development group. The week after Thanksgiving, his students hit the streets, gathering donations from faculty, staff, students and alumni.

MANRRS brought in 2,671 books.

MANRRS member and senior Shawn Graves said he was glad to help collect and load books in Andries’ truck.

“There is still a lot to be done in Louisiana, and I was happy to help in any way possible,” Graves said.

Simon, an active member of Scott County 4-H, asked her clubs to gather donations. Scott County residents contributed more than 2,500 books, as well.

Andries began making the rounds shortly before Winter Break to load the more than 8,000 books in his trailer.

When Andries called his librarian friend in Cameron Parish to tell her about his pending delivery, the librarian was surprised and excited, Andries said. She said the books were badly needed and would be put to good use.

From left, Hispanic/Latino Initiative Director Nancy Calix, Dr. Kenneth Andries, Pathways and Access to Careers and Technology Interim Director Rachael Steward, seniors Shawn Graves, Jessica Cranfield and Adrienne Fleming, President Mary Evans Sias, MANRRS adviser Eric Stout and Land Grant Program Director Harold Benson all gathered in front of Andries' pickup truck before he left for break with donations from KSU faculty, staff, students and alumni.