Helping Japan

A quick note: the news media is keeping us posted on the crisis in Japan after last week's earthquake and tsunami. You may feel well-informed about the tragedy but you may also be wondering how you can help, since the stories and images certainly convey a feeling of helplessness. Two simple ways to send a donation: via the Red Cross and via the Salvation Army (thanks to David J. Tooley of our local Salvation Army for sending the info).

• American Red Cross: Text "REDCROSS" to 90999 to automatically donate $10. Visit www.redcross.org or mail a check to American Red Cross, PO Box 4002018, Des Moines, Iowa, 50340.
• Salvation Army: Text "quake" or "japan" to 80888 to automatically donate $10. Visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or call 800-725-2769 or mail a check to Salvation Army, PO Box 1959, Atlanta, Georgia, 30301.

Please take a moment and do something to help. If you've been reading or watching the news reports from Japan, you might feel as if you'd like to know more about the country, its geography or its history. Your public library is a great resource.

Non-fiction books about Japan for adults
Non-fiction books about Japan for children
Non-fiction DVDs about Japan for adults or children

The listing you see might look unfamiliar - you're getting a preview of our new library catalog, due to launch in just a few days. Take some time to explore this exciting new discovery tool - we think you're going to love it.

The image above is under copyright from Reuters and was found on the following Web site: http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9214198/Update_Major_quake_shakes_Japan