NEWS RELEASE

Contact: David West (west@nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

3/15/2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES- A drive to help revitalize three university libraries in Baghdad, Iraq will begin Monday, March 22 at Northwestern State University and the Natchitoches Parish Library.

The "Books for Baghdad" drive is designed to help revitalize three university libraries in Baghdad. The libraries have not received new textbooks since 1990. College classes in Iraq are taught in English.

"This is a great opportunity for people in the university and Natchitoches communities to contribute to the reconstruction of Iraq in a truly meaningful way," said Coordinator of Social Sciences Dr. Greg Granger, who has been a member of the committee organizing the effort. "Honestly, I do not see a downside to this endeavor. Given the sacrifices our men and women in uniform are making on a daily basis and the suffering of the Iraqi people under conditions of despotism and war, this chance to contribute to a whole new Iraqi future should be embraced by everyone who has something to contribute."

A committee of campus representatives and students along with staff from the Natchitoches Parish Library began organizing the drive earlier this year after NSU president Dr. Randall J. Webb received an e-mail from Lt. Brian Hunsaker, a Northwestern alumnus who is stationed in Iraq.

"I am hoping that the university's faculty and staff can make a difference in Iraq by helping rebuild premier academic institutions for future leaders of Iraq," said Hunsaker in his e-mail.

The drive will run through May 28 is aimed at gathering textbooks, but any type of book will be accepted. Newer textbooks are preferred. Donated books should be personal property and not paid for or considered property of the state of Louisiana. Financial donations will also be accepted. Checks should be made payable to the NSU Foundation with a notation that they are for the "Books for Baghdad" campaign.

"This is an opportunity for our students, faculty and staff to help others in a meaningful way," said Webb. "On many occasions, the university community and the people of the Natchitoches area have been generous when asked to assist others. As a university community, it would be fitting to play a role in helping to spread knowledge to others who are seeking it."

Collection sites will be set up at the Natchitoches Parish Library, NSU's Department of Military Science in the Noe Armory near Turpin Stadium and in each academic department.

Donations are tax deductible. Those requiring receipts for donations should deliver the books to Noe Armory.

For more information on the "Books for Baghdad" drive, contact the Department of Military Science at (318) 357-5157 or the School of Social Sciences at (318) 357-6195.

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