Saturday, June 14, 2008

Gary Grout caught an announcement that volunteers should report to the Main Library this morning at 9AM. The report was meant for volunteers to report for sandbagging. Gary was at the door this morning to re-direct volunteers and Kristi alerted the UI Press that they needed to have a better statement out.  We’re having quite an adventure. It’s all very surreal. All our utilities are on but we are on restricted water use and plan to visit a friend outside of Cedar Rapids tomorrow to have a much needed shower. The water in Cedar Rapids is starting to recede. Firemen are escorting people into their businesses or homes so they can get essential things out and to check on the structures. We’re starting to think about the recovery process. I’m not sure how long it will take for the water to recede so people can actually start repairing, cleaning, etc. so they can move back in. 
In Iowa City, the river still hasn’t crested. The crest is predicted Tuesday morning. I don’t know if I can survive the suspense. So far the University of Iowa Main Library has stayed dry. But I’ve looked at the flood level projections and the building elevation. It’s not good. We might make it through. We have over 250,000 books in the basement that could get wet.  Today we are spending time recovering. I was too wound up to sleep more than 6 hours. But I did treat myself to a 1 1/2 hour massage and should sleep really well tonight. I plan on using my week “off” helping the Cedar Rapids libraries and museums in their recovery efforts. So getting rested up is really important.