By COLlive reporter
Books were seen being taken out of Levi Yitzchok Library, a beloved community institution in Crown Heights, on Tuesday. But they weren’t being loaned to a young child or a family for enjoyment.
Instead, they were destined to be properly discarded.
Over 2,000 children’s books and 3,000 books in other sections in the library at 305 Kingston Avenue were soaked and destroyed during Hurricane Ida which hit New York early last month.
Like many homes and businesses in the area, the library was completely submerged in water which left devastating effects. On Tuesday, library director Rabbi Shlomo Friedman viewed both books and valuable furniture being thrown away.
The library, founded in 1974 following a talk of the Rebbe about the importance of opening Jewish institutions and libraries, is “temporarily closed,” according to its listing on Google Maps.
Parents and children have been expressing their devastation at the closing of the library, Rabbi Friedman told COLlive.com. The damage is estimated at $150,000.
On a regular day, the library is more than just the bursting shelves of books. Its warm and inviting atmosphere attracts many who are interested in delving deeper into their Jewish roots joining meaningful group discussions, lectures and farbrengens.
Rabbi Friedman said that staff are working to bring the library back to its glory. Crews have been emptying and clearing out debris in preparation for renovations, which are expected to take about a month and a half.
To donate to the beloved community institution: Lubavitchyouth.org/donate
PayPal: [email protected]
For more information and donations contact Rabbi Shlomo Friedman at 718 419 3320.
Maybe we can make a big campaign and also install a wheelchair/carriage accessible elevator
no room for that…
Let’s find a new Bigger location for the library, above ground level. It’s about time .
We miss the library!
Hello have you checked out any of the resources that are being offered? https://www1.nyc.gov/site/em/resources/ida.page
This is really a great loss!!
Did you try emailing or calling the number below?
NYC Council Liaison
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I hope these books can all truly be replaced!
A lot of the novels, at least, are out of print. They can’t be replaced. Some of those novels go back to the 90’s.
I would hope many can be replaced on the used books websites.
Can’t wait for reopening! We miss the library and all the beautiful events and friendly staff there so much.
Reb Dovid Friedman is such a tzadik! Hatzlacha Rabba!
My kids are really upset. Every day when they come home from school they ask about
The library.
I wish I Was rich I would replace all the books in a minute.
They want to give money and many people recieved funds please contact them