The heat from the flames melted the computers and smoke and water destroyed the books. Our Beth Croughan tells us how one community is recovering three weeks after a fire severely damaged its library.

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PHOENICIA, N.Y. -- When the news broke, they brought hugs and kind words.

"And even that really helped," explained Judith Singer, the Board President of the Phoenicia Library Association.

Then the books started coming in.

"I don't think anything of the collection itself will be salvageable," explained Tracy Priest, the Director of the Phoenicia Library.

Even some cans of paint.

"It's being painted today by a team of volunteers from the Zen Mountain Monastery," explained Priest.

The Phoenicia Library is temporarily being run out of a town-owned building, just off Main Street. The original structure was severely damaged by an electrical fire back in March.

"And as I was driving over, I swear to you that my thought was, 'I'd rather it had been my house that burned than the library.' That's how much the library means to me and to the community," explained Singer of her reaction.

From computer classes to kids programs, the library is more than just paperbacks and hard covers.

"This library really serves as a community center," said Priest.

While it may not be in the center of town right now, efforts are underway to bring it back.

"We hope to rebuild the space. What we're hearing is that it's salvageable," said Priest.

And with the support from the community they've already received, Singer and Priest are hopeful.

"This is the type of place where if someone is in trouble, the community circles around and does whatever they can," said Singer.

Several fundraising events have been planned, for more information on ways you can help, head to phoenicia.lib.ny.us.

It's estimated they need to raise more than $100,000.