Diana Harshbarger

04/26/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/26/2024 09:47

Harshbarger Office Makes Book Delivery to Unicoi Public Library Following Flood

Yesterday, U.S. Representative Diana Harshbarger (TN-01) visited the Unicoi County Public Library (UCPL) to deliver books in partnership with the Library of Congress' Surplus Books Program following a tragic flood at the library earlier this year, resulting in thousands of books being damaged.

"Fostering a love for reading among for our youth throughout East Tennessee is a cause near and dear to my heart," said Congresswoman Harshbarger. "The U.S. Library of Congress Surplus Books Program, led by Joe Mahar and his colleagues, is a blessing for libraries across Tennessee's First Congressional District, and I thank them for their continued assistance. I am happy to have played a modest role in assisting the Unicoi Public Library refill their shelves with books following a flood earlier this year that devastated their collection."

Later this month, Unicoi High School will also be receiving additional book donations from the U.S. Library of Congress Surplus Book Program.

"I appreciate School Librarian & Media Specialist Karla Keesecker's communication with my staff, and thoughtful consideration of books available that will best serve her students' reading interests and learning needs," said Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger.

Background: Library of Congress Surplus Books Program

The Office of Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger has delivered just over 20,000 books throughout East Tennessee, fulfilling requests from libraries, schools, non-profits, and qualifying early childhood and senior centers.

Eligibility requirements include one of the following:

  • Full­time, tax­ supported or non-profit educational institution: school, school system, library, childcare or early learning center, college, university, or museum as a few examples.
  • Agency of local, state, or federal government.

For more information or to sign up your organization, visit: https://harshbarger.house.gov/book-surplus