Burnsville Library Book Drop

When Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina, the damage went far beyond what you could see at first glance. Homes were flooded, roads were washed out, and daily life was turned upside down. But tucked inside that loss was something quieter - shelves once filled with books were suddenly empty.

In Burnsville, the local library lost a large portion of its collection to the storm. Books that once helped kids fall in love with reading, gave students a place to study, and offered comfort to adults during long evenings were simply gone.

Recently, our team had the chance to help change that.

We loaded up donated books - boxes and bags filled with children’s stories, novels, and well-loved favorites - and headed to Burnsville. It wasn’t a massive delivery. There were no flashing lights or dramatic moments. But when we arrived, it was clear this meant more than we realized.

Photos from the delivery can be found here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/JpRDAAoW2AZMngGY9

As the books were unloaded, kids immediately started flipping through pages. Adults paused to look at familiar titles. Library staff smiled - the kind of smile that comes from relief and gratitude, not just politeness. You could feel it: these weren’t “just books.” They were normalcy. They were comfort. They were a sign that their community hadn’t been forgotten.

Libraries are often the quiet backbone of rural towns. They’re where kids discover new worlds, where students find a safe place to learn, and where people go when they need a moment of peace. After Hurricane Helene, losing that space - even temporarily - was another heavy hit for a community already carrying so much.

Seeing shelves slowly begin to refill was a reminder of why recovery matters long after the storm passes. Healing doesn’t happen all at once. Sometimes it starts with something as simple as handing a child a book and watching their face light up.

We’re incredibly thankful to everyone who donated, packed, and helped make this delivery possible. Your generosity is helping Burnsville rebuild - one story at a time.

And if there’s one thing this day reminded us of, it’s this: hope doesn’t always arrive loudly. Sometimes it shows up quietly, tucked inside a cardboard box, waiting to be opened.