In 1966 a devastating flood swept through the city of Florence, destroying homes and livelihoods, and killing 101 people.

This article from our Spring 1967 issue (which was dedicated to Florence) is a first hand account from Mario Witt, of the terrible events. Witt bore witness, not only to the destruction, but also the huge rallying efforts from the community, local and international, to rescue and recover the countless books, collections and libraries that were almost entirely lost.

This seemed like a timely article to record - a testament to the resilience and compassion of a community faced with a natural disaster.