More than 11,000 books already collected
for schools affected by February’s tornadoes

More than 11,000 books have been collected for schools affected by tornado damage, Kentucky First Lady Jane Beshear announced during a visit to West Liberty Elementary School in Morgan County. The school was one of several that were damaged or destroyed two months ago when devastating storms and tornadoes ripped through Kentucky, killing 24 people and injuring hundreds more.
 

Others receiving donations include Salyersville Grade School and Herald Whitaker Middle. 
 

“I never cease to be amazed by the generosity of Kentuckians and I know the schools, teachers and children receiving these donations are sincerely grateful,” Beshear said.
 

In early April, Gov. Steve Beshear’s office launched the Tornado Relief Book Drive to help collect needed books for schools in storm-damaged areas.  State employees and other schools and libraries across Kentucky have donated more than 10,000 new and gently used books for the drive.
 

In addition, Scholastic donated 1,000 books to West Liberty Elementary School as part of the Tornado Relief Book Drive and in support for the first lady’s role as a “Reading Ambassador” for the Scholastic Summer Challenge reading program. 
 

The Tornado Relief Book Drive will be extended to the end of May because many schools are holding end-of-the year book collecting events, Beshear said. Book collection bins are located in the central lobbies of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the Department for Libraries and Archives, State Central Lab, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, the State Office Building and outside the Governor’s Office in the State Capitol.
 

Monetary donations are also being accepted for the book drive.  People can make donations at Central Bank branches or mail them to: Tornado Relief Book Drive, 
Central Bank & Trust Co., 
300 W. Vine St., Lexington, Ky., 40507
 

From the Office of the First Lady

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