Library News from Egypt + a Sigh of Relief

Excerpt from a brief note from Ismail Serageldin, director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (found via bookshelvesofdoom):

"Events deteriorated as lawless bands of thugs, and maybe agents provocateurs, appeared and looting began. The young people organized themselves into groups that directed traffic, protected neighborhoods and guarded public buildings of value such as the Egyptian Museum and the Library of Alexandria. They are collaborating with the army. This makeshift arrangement is in place until full public order returns.

The library is safe thanks to Egypt’s youth, whether they be the staff of the Library or the representatives of the demonstrators, who are joining us in guarding the building from potential vandals and looters. I am there daily within the bounds of the curfew hours. However, the Library will be closed to the public for the next few days until the curfew is lifted and events unfold towards an end to the lawlessness and a move towards the resolution of the political issues that triggered the demonstrations."

I can't even imagine people thinking of looting a library.

And I don't know about you, but I've been watching the events in Egypt pretty closely because a dear friend of mine along with many other people I know were recently in Egypt on a band tour with the college down the street from mine. Their hotel was one block away from the main protest in Cairo. They changed hotels last week and were scheduled to leave on Saturday but their flight was canceled. After many delays and some involvement from one of our state's senators all the students are finally--thank God--on their way home.

Whew. Glad my J-term trip wasn't as eventful as theirs,