Pass Library using books to help battered library in New Jersey - WLOX.com - The News for South Mississippi

Librarians in Pass Christian are showing their compassion for the victims of Hurricane Sandy. This week, they kicked-off a fundraiser to help rebuild a library in New Jersey that was destroyed by the storm.

On Tuesday, another load of books arrived at the Pass Christian Public Library. The books came from generous South Mississippi donors.

"It's all best sellers I've been collecting. He's got plenty more coming," one woman said as she dropped off several boxes of books.

The library has received more than 3,500 books and magazines so far.  This week, the library kicked-off a book sale to raise money for Ocean County Library's Upper Shore Branch in Lavallette, New Jersey. The library on the barrier island was wiped-out by Hurricane Sandy.     

"We've got to get the Lavallette library back up and running for the folks who are isolated there on that little island. And we want to let them to know, no, you're not forgotten, not by Pass Christian," said Pass Christian Head Librarian Sally James.

James teamed-up with Tricia Taylor of Pass Christian to spear-head the month-long book drive and sale. Taylor has a special bond with the people of New Jersey.

"I was born and raised in New Jersey. I used to take summer vacations to the shore, so I still have a lot of friends and relatives that live up there and a lot of those people were affected by Superstorm Sandy. So we're just trying to do our best to show them that we care," said Taylor.

It's also a way of giving back. When Pass Christian lost its library after Hurricane Katrina, the people of New Jersey donated more than 7,000 books, DVDs, and $1,200 to help rebuild the Pass Christian Library.

"I think every little bit helps. I think that when it's one town to another town, it becomes just a stronger bond," said Taylor.

"That's why we're so happy to do it," said James. "It's a gift to us and we'll give a gift to them."

The book sale runs through the end of January.  Each book costs one-dollar. The goal is to raise at least $1,200 for the library in Lavallette. And donations of books and magazines are still being accepted.

The library is open Monday though Saturday.

Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

You can contact the library at (228) 452-4596.

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