CLENDENIN, W.V.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The flooding disaster that recently hit portions of southern West Virginia has devastated countless homes, businesses and community centers. Clendenin and Rainelle, two towns that were hit especially hard by the floodwaters, are now undergoing the recovery and rebuilding process. Joining in on the relief efforts, Books-A-Million is working hard to help Clendenin and Rainelle public libraries become functional again. On Saturday, July 16, up to 20 percent of sales at all West Virginia store locations will be donated to the West Virginia Library Commission for the refurbishment and replenishment of libraries that were destroyed in flooding.
“It is a company standard of Books-A-Million to provide a warm and genuine atmosphere to our customers,” said Anne-Marie Johnson, general manager of the Beckley Books-A-Million. “Many of our customers are also library patrons, and the partnership between Books-A-Million and local libraries has always been very natural. For many of our customers – particularly in outlying areas – the library is the closest resource for not only books, but also educational courses, local history, children’s activities, and computers for the public’s use. We are very focused on assisting them during this crucial time of need.”
At this time, the damaged libraries are unable to accept donations of physical books due to the lack of storage space.
“I am told the library windows in Clendenin were completely broken by the flood waters, and they are still assessing the total dollar amount of the damage and collection lost,” said Johnson. “The estimated damaged in Rainelle is upwards of $25,000 just in book costs alone. That does not include the building, furnishings and computer equipment.”
“It really just makes you sick to look at how much damage was done,” said Loretta Jones, Rainelle Library Board President. With regards to the fundraiser, Jones stated that, “From the bottom of our hearts, we really appreciate it, and it brings tears to my eyes.”
Books-A-Million has 10 store locations throughout West Virginia, including Barboursville, Bluefield, Beckley, Charleston Southridge and Town Center, Parkersburg, Morgantown, Bridgeport, Wheeling and Martinsburg.
For more ways to assist in southern West Virginia flood relief efforts, visit www.WVFLOOD.com.
ABOUT BOOKS-A-MILLION
Books-A-Million, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, is the second largest chain of bookstores in the United States. Books-A-Million got its start in 1917 as a magazine stand in Florence, Alabama and now operates over 250 stores in the 32 states as well as an online store at http://www.booksamillion.com. While Books-A-Million’s presence has grown, the goal has remained the same: to serve each community with the best selection of books, toys, tech and more, all at great prices. Find the nearest Books-A-Million at http://www.booksamillion.com/storefinder.
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