The Estherville Public Library is continuing its remembrance of 9/11 by supporting the men and women who nobly make the sacrifice to defend this nation and our freedoms.
Director of Library Services Carolyn Walz said the library has chosen the theme of "Support Our Troops" for this year's observance.
It was on Aug. 1, 2010, that approximately 70 guardsmen were deployed with the 1-194th Field Artillery, A Battery of the Iowa National Guard for training in the United States. The troops eventually will be assigned in Afghanistan for duty.
"In keeping with the theme of 9/11, the library will be conducting a campaign to collect a total of 911 items to send to the troops once they arrive in Afghanistan," Walz explained. "Once we learn what items are needed, the list will be posted on the library web site."
The web site address is: www.esthervillepubliclibrary.com.
She noted copies of the list will also be available at the library for distribution to the public. "Members of the Friends of the Library organization will sponsor the shipping of the items collected," Walz said.
On Saturday, Sept. 11, members of Boy Scout Troop No. 31 will conduct an 8 a.m. flag raising ceremony at the Estherville Public Library in dedication of "We Support Our Troops."
Walz said through courtesy of the "Avenue of Flags," a sign will be displayed on the library balcony and will be enhanced with flood lights.
"Our library will be open the regular hours of 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11," the librarian stated.
It was two years after Sept. 11, 2001, that the staff of the Estherville Public Library observed its first commemoration of that fateful day by remaining open for 24 hours. This observance was continued for the next six years. Last year the decision was made to reduce the hours by half due to lack of attendance from the public.
"The commemoration of keeping our library open for 24 hours is unique in the fact that our library was the first to hold such an observance in the entire state of Iowa. Now we believe it is just as important to support our local troops on 9/11.
This year marks the eighth annual event in which the library will join hundreds of other libraries of every type and size, in every state and many international locations. Libraries represent the sum of all human knowledge, and equal access to that knowledge. Libraries represent freedom of expression, celebration of diversity, a playing field that is level, preservation of heritage, and commitment to the future.