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. 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.