Michigan National Guard rescues books in waterlogged Midland

MIDLAND, Mich. – The Michigan National Guard rescued 80,000 items from the basement of a Midland library that was flooded when rain swept through the area and dams failed.

“There’s no way we could have done it without them,” said Terrie Ahlers, supervisor of adult services at Grace A. Dow Memorial Library.

Most books and other items in the basement are going to be OK, the Midland Daily News reported. They were placed on tables on the main floor.

Guard members had to use the stairs because the elevator was out. Library staff over the weekend focused on removing moisture from the lower level. The library is sharing updates, photos and video on Facebook.

"We’re going to get there. We’ve done it before and we’ll do it again,” Ahlers said.

More coverage on the Midland flooding crisis:

• ‘Looked like Niagra Falls’ -- Dam that created Wixom Lake gives way, flooding mid-Michigan communities
• Tittibiwassee River crests at 35 feet, could still be days before waters recede
• Shocking mid-Michigan flood pictures show ravaged roads, underwater houses, floating cars
• Gov. Whitmer on mid-Michigan floods: Devastation, possible legal action, peak flood level