By Mickey Duvall

The Bastrop Public Library gives a heartfelt thanks to the following individuals and organizations for donating their money to help the library replace books and other items lost in the recent wildfire. Each of the donors has recognized the importance of replacing library materials lost in the fire.

As we all know, a number of the library’s patrons lost their homes to the devastating wildfire in September. In addition to losing all their belongings, a number of patrons lost library items. The city did not charge those patrons who lost library materials in the fire. So a number of individuals and organizations have stepped up and donated funds to replace the lost books.

I thank every donor for their generosity and thinking of us in this difficult time. In times of hardship, it is important for us to come together and remember we are a community. Each act of kindness and caring helps to renew the faith of all who have suffered. I can’t but help of thinking of the myth of the Phoenix. From the ashes another bird is reborn and so, too, Bastrop will be reborn anew and those who have suffered will become the face of hope and recipients of that renewal. The following individuals and organizations donated funds to replace library items lost in the wildfire:

• Humanities Texas

• Society For Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (Austin Chapter of SCBWI)

• A&M Consolidated High School—English III-Pre AP Students (College Station)

• Sally Jordan of Houston

• Austin Forever Young Adult Book Club

• Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library (Kerrville)

• Bastrop Ladies Reading Circle

• Bastrop Professional Women’s Market Days

• Lost Pine Garden Club

Many other individual library supporters

Many, many thanks to all for your thoughtfulness and generosity.