WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Murkowski yesterday informed the staff of the Togiak Public Library that she has donated 191 books to the library in an effort to help replace materials that were lost to recent vandalism that destroyed books and caused $2,500 in damage. “Reading is the fundamental element and cornerstone of developing young minds and preparing them for rigorous challenges,” said Murkowski. “I wasn’t going to let the children who rely on the Togiak Public Library be denied the chance to boost their academic pursuits or to develop a love of the written word.”

In May, the Togiak Public Library was the site of a pair of break-ins – the second more serious and damaging than the first. According to reports from the scene, books were torn apart or made unreadable with syrup and bookcases overturned and damaged. (Picture attached)

When Senator Murkowski and her DC staff discovered the crime, they collaborated with the Library of Congress book donation program and were able to gather nearly 200 books – including fiction, non-fiction, reference books and atlases. Senator Murkowski’s donation includes books that are appropriate for all age ranges and interests.

According to librarian Dale Richeson, “The Togiak Public Library has been vandalized several times. Yet, we do not close our doors. We are open to all in our community, because our library believes that free access to books and education are guaranteed to everyone. We will not allow the vandalism of one or two to close our door.

“We appreciate the support and patronage that we have received from our community, from the Friends of the Library of Dillingham, from Senator Lisa Murkowski, the Pebble Foundation, the Rasmuson Foundation, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Alaska State Library, the Fisheries Foundation, the Gates Foundation, the Togiak Traditional Council, Togiak Natives Limited, and from friends of libraries everywhere.”

Source: Office of Senator Murkowski