It has been more than a year since a devastating flood took place in the town of Waverly, Tennessee, and the surrounding area. It claimed 22 lives and damaged hundreds of properties. The Humphreys County Public Library was impacted by the flood waters and remained closed until May of this year.
Last Fall, the Friends of the Library in Linden met to plan their semi-annual Book and Bake Sale fundraiser. President Christine Buckingham proposed they donate funds raised at the sale to benefit the library in Waverly. After a unanimous vote, the group promoted the sale as a fundraiser for the library in Waverly, and the Linden community provided enthusiastic support.
"We had a fantastic turnout for the fundraiser held in October of 2021," explained Buckingham, "Our group raised $900, the highest amount of any of our previous Book and Bake Sales." Many of the people who donated books and baked goods to the sale said they were happy to be able to support the Waverly community. Customers of the book sale, who came from Perry County and surrounding counties, were glad to contribute to the library fundraiser.
In 2022 Buckingham met with Ethel Carmical, Library Director for the Humphreys County Public Library in Waverly to present the donation. Director Carmical grew up in Lobelville. Her first job was at the Lobelville Library as a library clerk making 75 cents per hour. She has been working at the library in Waverly for more than 50 years and has seen many changes over the years. "We have worked hard to re-open our library and truly appreciate the Perry County Friends of the Library for their generosity," stated Carmical, "We can certainly put this donation to good use. Thank you all."