MONTICELLO, KY -- Last Christmas Eve, the Wayne County Library was flooded by 5,000 gallons of water after a main water line burst. More than 3,000 books were damaged by the water that spilled into the library from the ceiling. On Saturday, Congressman Hal Rogers helped replace the ruined books with a special Christmas delivery from the Library of Congress.

"During this season of giving, it's an honor to put books back into the hands of children and adults in Wayne County," said Congressman Rogers, a Wayne County native. "As soon as I heard about my hometown library losing thousands of books, I contacted the Library of Congress to help replace as many books as possible. There is nothing sweeter than seeing our children's imagination light up as they turn the pages of a good book."

The Library of Congress maintains a collection of more than 100 million items, including books, transcripts, and the Congressional Record. The nation's official library donates surplus books to eligible organizations and institutions, including schools, libraries, museums, government entities and nonprofit organizations that maintain a library or research center.

"On behalf of the Library’s patrons, staff, and board of trustees, we thank Congressman Rogers for his most generous donation of two-thousand children’s and young adult books to our collection. In the wake of this year’s flood-related losses, his support has not only expedited our recovery efforts, but has also granted us an opportunity to put new and exciting titles into the hands of developing readers," said Logan Anderson, Library Director. "Wayne County’s young learners will enjoy these books for many years to come. Thank you, Congressman Rogers, for helping us to promote literacy and a love of reading among the young people in our community."

For more information about Congressman Rogers' work in Washington and at home in Kentucky, visit halrogers.house.gov and follow him on social media.