October 1, 1999

CONTENTS:

Investigation underway into theft of antique books from Jagiellonian Library

Prosecutors in the southern city of Krakow confirmed Monday they are investigating the theft of antique books and maps reportedly worth hundreds of thousands of dollars from the prestigious Jagiellonian Library. Spokeswoman Malgorzata Wilkosz-Sliwa declined to give any more details on what she called the ''sad fact of the disappearance of ancient publications,'' saying the Krakow prosecutor's office planned to release more information later this week. However, the Gazeta Wyborcza newspaper reported prosecutors have given antiques shop owners a list of more than 50 missing books worth millions of zlotys (dlrs hundreds of thousands). It said the theft was discovered in April, but none of the books have been found. The Government Protection Office, an intelligence unit, has also been informed of the disappearance of six atlases and 500 maps from the 18th and 19th centuries, Gazeta said. Officials at Jagiellonian University have ordered a complete inventory of the library's 130,000 old volumes and the installation of a new security system, the head of the university, Franciszek Ziejka, told private Radio Zet. He said the thief had removed the books while leaving the covers behind, stuffed with other books. It was not known how many books were taken or exactly when, he said. Gazeta suggested some of the missing books were from the famed Prussian Library, which came to Krakow from Berlin after World War II. Ziejka said, however, that that was unlikely since the Prussian collection, which includes original manuscripts of works by Beethoven and Mozart, is under special supervision. During the war, the Nazis hid the Prussian Library in the Sudety mountains to protect it from Allied bombs. The mountains became part of Poland when borders shifted after the war and the priceless books were secretly placed in the Jagiellonian Library with only a few of its employees knowing it at the time. Talks are underway on Germany's request for the return of the collection.

Museum Flood Damage in NC

• CSS Neuse State Historic Site and Gov. Richard Caswell Memorial, Kinston: Located near the Neuse River, the visitor center had 35" of water inside, and the maintenance/collections storage building had about 40" of water. All organic artifacts were removed prior to the flooding. Metal objects will be removed shortly and will be cleaned and treated as necessary. Contact: CSS Neuse Gunboat Association, Inc., PO Box 3043, Kinston, NC 28502
• Neuseway Nature Park, Kinston: Located on the banks of the Neuse River, the first floor of the visitor center was completely submerged and had 4â?T of water in the second floor. The educational building was completely underwater as well. Staff had moved the collections up to the second floor of the visitor center for safety. The river has not receded enough yet for the staff to assess damage. Contact: Kinston Exchange Club, 405 North McLewean Street, Kinston, NC 28501, Attn: Neuseway Nature Park
• River Park North Science and Nature Center, Greenville: Located on the banks of the Tar River, the visitor center had over 36" of water insideâ?"reports have been as high as 11â?T. The center is in a restricted area, so damage reports are still hearsay. The director is sure that all of her research files are ruined. Some collections may be salvageable, depending on how high the water rose inside. Contact: River Park North Science and Nature Center, P. O. Box 7207, Greenville, NC 27835-7207, Attn: Carolyn Smith, Director
• Rocky Mount Arts Center and Playhouse, Rocky Mount: Located on banks above the Tar River, the three-story building was flooded up to the second floor. The arts center saved much of its permanent collection; however, the theatre received extensive water damage. Some costumes and lights were saved. Contact: Friends of Rocky Mount Arts Center and Playhouse, P. O. Box 4031, Rocky Mount, NC 27803
• Rocky Mount Children's Museum, Rocky Mount: Located near the Tar River, the museum had water up to the ceiling tiles. The building and contents are a total loss. The museum was preparing for a large expansion project, so most of their collections had been removed and stored in large "airtight, watertight" containers on the grounds. The containers floated down the street, flipped, and buckled, so everything got wet. They lost 15 of their 18 animals. The survivors have been rescued, cleaned, and provided for. They are looking for a temporary building to reopen. Contact: Friends of the Rocky Mount Children's Museum, â,. 2100 Bridgewood Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804
• Tobacco Farm Life Museum, Kenly: This 5-acre site suffered from a flash flood after receiving 15-20" of rain in less than 12 hours. The farmhouse suffered no damage; however, about 10" of water was in the visitor center. Only large artifacts sitting on the floor suffered water damage. The museum lost most of its gift shop inventory, the computer, staff files, and the pine floor in the gift shop. Contact: Tobacco Farm Life Museum, P. O. Box 88, Kenly, NC 27542
• Waynesboro Historic Park, Goldsboro: Located near the Neuse River, the ten historic buildings had about 7-8" of water inside. Furnishings had been put on bricks about 12" above the floor, so the furnishings are fine. The floorboards have buckled and will need to be replaced or conserved. About twenty trees were blown over. Contact: Old Waynesboro Commission, 801-B Highway 117 South, Goldsboro, NC 27530

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