RAINELLE, W. VA (WSLS 10) - Construction is underway at the Rainelle Public Library.
However, the library is questioning how it's going to pay for repairs that resulted from the flood that devastated the area on June 23rd.
Federal Emergency Management Agency is covering some of the expenses but not all.
Bare walls, fans on and an empty room set the scene at the Rainelle Public Library. Before the flood, the library was filled with books, computers and people. Now, community members are working hard to restore the library to what it once was.
"The library was beautiful," said Loretta Jones, the library board president. "People would come in from out of town and tell us it's so homey."
Now, instead of the warm compliments from visitors the library is closed. Rainelle. Jones is dealing with the harsh reality that the library may not fully reopen for some time.
"We need everything," said Jones. "Everything was destroyed. We had nine computers that were lost in the flood."
The flood caused six feet of water to fill the library, destroying nearly 12,000 books and most of the oak bookcases, furniture and appliances.
FEMA is providing $51,000 however, the cost of damage is more than three times that amount.
"Financially we need money more than we need books," Jones told us. "I appreciate all the offers of books, but we're just overwhelmed with book offers."
Collaborating with Roanoke County libraries to collect funds and books, Greenbrier valley native Jim Monroe, the CEO of Greenbrier Nurseries, is looking to help.
"Getting that library functioning is a stepping stone in rebuilding a town that arguably is the most damage place in West Virginia from the flood; 15 out of the 24 death occurred in that one little town," said Monroe.
Day after day, Jones is making progress. Wednesday contractors are set to come in and install drywall. That alone will cost $130,000.
"It's time consuming and it's depressing," said Jones. "It's just you really have to keep upbeat and think 'ok God is in control'."
With a little luck and lot of hard work, Jones hopes to raise the money needed and have part of the library open mid-August.
This Saturday from 9a.m. to 3p.m. the Greenbrier Nurseries will be collecting books and money donations. Everything raised will go towards the library.
If you would like to help the library and donate visit: https://www.gofundme.com/RainellePublicLib.