Pitt's Library System Spearheads Effort to Collect Schoolbooks for Students Affected by China Earthquake

PITTSBURGH-Pitt's University Library System (ULS) is calling on local schools, individuals, and organizations to donate new and used English-language materials to help rebuild school libraries in Sichuan Province, site of the 8.0 earthquake that shook that region on May 12.

A long-time partner of leading Chinese university libraries, the ULS plans to send the books to Juyuan Middle School in Dujiangyan City, Sichuan. That school, now operating in tents, lost 278 students and six teachers in the quake.

The Arizona State University (ASU) libraries are also participating in the drive. ULS director Rush Miller and ASU library director Sherrie Schmidt, along with other ULS personnel, will travel to China in September to present some of the books to school officials.

Donated materials-books, CDs, and DVDs in literature, history, science, and the arts-must be in good condition and appropriate for children in grades 7 through 12. Boxes should be marked "Rebuilding School Libraries, Sichuan Earthquake" and can be brought to Hillman Library, 3960 Forbes Ave., Oakland.

Staff at the ground-floor and first-floor lending desks and at the second-floor East Asian Library information desk will receive materials through June 30. Those needing more information or assistance with their donation may call 412-648-7710.

As of May 27, the death toll stood at 67,183 and another 361,822 people were injured. The quake destroyed many schools and thousands of other buildings.

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5/27/08/tmw