Tennessee Bookstore Battles Back After Hurricane Devastation
COSBY, Tenn.— For Deann Hines, owner of “Our Place” Bookstore in Cosby, Tennessee, the holiday season usually means a bustling store and overflowing parking lot. This year, however, the aftermath of hurricane Helene casts a long shadow. The hurricane, which devastated parts of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina, has significantly impacted her business and the community she serves.
Hines explains the dire situation: “We pretty much lost most of October, which is our biggest month of the year. That gets us through Christmas. Christmas gets us through winter. Now, here we are. It’s going to be a very, very quiet winter,” she said.
While lucky that her store escaped physical damage, the economic fallout from the hurricane has been devastating. “There’s not gonna be much money here as everyone’s lost their jobs, homes and businesses. It’s intricate,” Hines shared, highlighting the widespread impact on her customer base.
despite the challenges, ”Our Place” Bookstore, a Cosby institution for 20 years, has weathered manny storms. Hines remains steadfast: “It’ll be tough, but we’ll make it through this too,” she stated with unwavering resolve.
To adapt to the reduced foot traffic, Hines is pivoting to online sales and promoting shipping options. “We’ll have to shift gears and do more online sales and promote shipping for some of our customers who aren’t here. We’re doing a lot of that right now. We’ll continue doing that just to sustain ourselves until Spring comes around and hopefully, it’ll get better,” she explained, outlining her strategy for survival.
Even amidst her own struggles,Hines’s commitment to her community remains steadfast. She’s shifted her focus from providing essential supplies to sharing the joy of reading.She has generously donated many books to the 21st century Packhorse Librarian, a group dedicated to providing free books to communities affected by Hurricane Helene.
At a recent Packhorse Librarian event in Cosby,the need was evident. Catalina Ottolina, a mother of three, lost all her books in the flood. The loss was deeply felt: “As a mother of three who reads to her children every night,it was devastating,” she shared.
Hines’s story is a testament to the resilience of small businesses and the power of community spirit in the face of adversity. Her dedication to both her bookstore and her community serves as an inspiration during these challenging times. The road to recovery will be long, but Hines and her community are facing it together, one book at a time.
Learn more about the 21st Century Packhorse Librarian and their efforts: 21st Century Packhorse Librarian
Librarians Bring Hope Through Books After Devastating Loss
In the aftermath of a devastating event, the simple act of giving a book can bring unexpected joy and hope. For one community, the generosity of librarians is making a profound difference in the lives of children who have experienced meaningful trauma.
“It was just gut-wrenching to throw all those stunning books away,” said Ottolina, reflecting on the loss. “So this is a very uplifting thing that these librarians are doing. This feeds the soul. This lifts our spirits.” The sentiment underscores the emotional impact of the loss and the powerful restorative effect of the librarians’ efforts.
The initiative, spearheaded by librarian hines, is providing children with books salvaged from the disaster. Ottolina, a recipient of the donated books, expressed her excitement, saying, “She said she can’t wait to surprise her children and some of their friends with books for Christmas.”
For Hines, the project is more than just distributing books; it’s about offering a lifeline of hope.“They’ve lost a lot and everything has been very traumatic,” Hines explained. “A lot of kids went through a lot that we’ll never even be able to understand. Books are a good source of possibly escaping into a happy story and they may be coming out of it with a new optimism.”
The impact extends beyond the immediate gift. The act of reading, of losing oneself in a story, offers a powerful escape from the harsh realities of trauma. For these children, the books represent more than just entertainment; they are a pathway to healing and a chance to rediscover joy.
Hines’ commitment to the community goes beyond this single initiative. she plans to continue her efforts, stating, “Hines said she’ll continue to donate books and provide help in any way she can.” Her dedication serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the transformative power of community support in times of crisis.
This story highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact of simple acts of kindness. In a world often filled with hardship, the librarians’ dedication serves as a reminder of the power of community and the enduring importance of literacy.
