Imagine, if you will, trying to educate without books.  Imagine trying to rebuild a community without education.  These are just a few of the issues the disaster struck areas in New Orleans and Gulf Coast communities are facing.  However, thanks to the efforts of the HandsOn Network, American Library Association (ALA) and AU's Dr. Judith Lechner, the residents of these affected areas are beginning to see signs of normalcy.

The American Library Association's annual conference, held in New Orleans, organized several days of volunteering to help rebuild libraries in the city.  Dr. Judith Lechner, professor of children's literature and media in Auburn University's College of Education, joined 45 other librarians from all over the United States under the leadership of the HandsOn Network to help rebuild the libraries of New Orleans.  The HandsOn Network is an organization devoted to restoring disaster struck areas starting with the 2004 Tsunami and then moving to the Gulf coast region after Hurricane Katrina. More than 900 of the ALA's attendees participated in some kind of volunteering to help with New Orleans libraries or individual homes.  Dr. Lechner's group of volunteers worked at the Nora Navra library in the 7^th Ward.  Although there was only two feet of water damage in the library, because of mold and mildew, the entire library had to be gutted.

"It was sad to have to throw away everything, but it was heartening to see the volunteers, including many young people working together" says Dr. Lechner.  "HandsOn is always looking for volunteers.  They generally stay for a week, are housed in a dormitory and say they are fed very well.  Volunteers also have evenings off and one free day reserved for sightseeing." 

Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Lechner, the ALA and HandsOn Network, New Orleans 7^th Ward library Nora Navra is on its way to once again being a place where members of this weather ravaged community can go for their informational and educational needs.

HandsOn Network is involved in many rebuilding projects throughout New Orleans.  For more information on the HandsOn Network or to volunteer visit www.handsonnetwork.org.