FARMINGTON — Participating libraries across the state are joining together to raise funds to help rebuild Bibliotheque de Lac-Megantic. In the aftermath of the fatal train crash that destroyed the downtown area of Lac-Mégantic, Canada, earlier this month, there has been a flood of support for the rural Quebec community.

Several western Maine towns sent firefighters over the border to respond to the tragedy. Farmington, the sister city of Lac-Mégantic since 1991, was one of the towns to respond.

The town’s library, the Bibliotheque de Lac-Megantic, bordered the train tracks and was one of the buildings razed to the ground by the explosions. The entire collection, estimated at 60,000 items, was lost with the exception of those books checked out by patrons. The library served 3,000 community members each month. Much of the collection is irreplaceable, as the library housed historical records, books and photographs documenting the town’s history.

Library officials are asking for monetary donations to help replace the building, computers and materials. Anyone who wishes to donate may look for a donation can on the circulation desk of your local library.