Friends Meeting of Washington has adopted the Alvar Branch Library in the Bywater district of New Orleans and is raising funds to help reopen the library early this summer. The New Orleans Public Library (NOPL) system, like most of the city, was devastated by Hurricane Katrina last August. Eight of twelve branch libraries were seriously damaged, with all contents ruined. Over 90% of the library system’s staff was laid off. Total damage to library buildings exceeded $20 million. The Alvar Branch was relatively fortunate. Although it was flooded by one to two feet of water, the Art Deco style structure is basically sound. However, flooring, walls and electrical wiring, as well as shelving and furniture, need to be replaced. Library Journal is leading a campaign among library service companies to furnish and equip the Alvar Branch if NOPL can raise $250,000 for building repairs and renovations in time for its targeted reopening in late June 2006.

Before Katrina, the population of Orleans Parish was approximately 485,000, of whom nearly 130,000 were aged 18 or younger. Twenty-eight percent of the population had incomes below the poverty level; 73% represented various minority groups. By December 2005, population in New Orleans was between 135,000 and 150,000; others are returning as they are able. Precise figures concerning the numbers, incomes and ethnicity of the current residents are unavailable.

The Bywater neighborhood is as vibrant and diverse as the city of New Orleans itself. The district is home to art galleries, restaurants, jazz clubs and historic homes as well as ports, warehouses, and public housing developments. The Desire area and the Streetcar of the same name are part of Bywater, as is the Florida area, where six-year old Ruby Bridges integrated the William Frantz elementary school in 1960.

Friends have always placed a high value on providing educational opportunities for all, and have demonstrated concern for justice and equal rights for the poor and vulnerable. There is general agreement that New Orleans’ poor were educationally ill-served before Hurricane Katrina. The storm’s damage to schools and libraries in the area has further compromised residents’ access to these essential resources. A restored Alvar Branch Library will not only give Bywater residents some of the educational tools they need to improve their lives, but it may also serve as a community center for children whose schools are not yet back in session and whose parents are largely absent during the day.

You can help the campaign by making a donation. Your tax deductible gift, 100% of which will go to the library renovation, should be made payable to Friends Meeting of Washington, and mailed to 2111 Florida Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20008-1912. Please write “Reopen Alvar” in the memo portion of your check.