Two new collections of books about animals and pets are now available at the St. Joseph Public Library’s East Hills Library in memory of Laura Hutton.

Doug and Jody Hutton have dedicated the collections to the memory of their daughter, Laura, who had a lifelong love for libraries and animals. According to a library press release, Laura found countless lost animals and would go door-to-door and drive around until she had success in reuniting the pet with their owner. She also found many stray injured and sick animals and brought them home to have a family. At one point the Huttons had two dogs at home Laura rescued from the streets, who only had one eye between them. Laura had a passion for all neglected and endangered animals of the world and was a member of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, ASPCA.

According to a press release, the Huttons wish to express their deep gratitude to all those who contributed nearly $10,000 to the St. Joseph Public Library Foundation for the purpose of purchasing books. The hope is that people will continue to contribute to the St. Joseph Public Library Foundation, so that new animal and pet books can be added for education and enjoyment for years to come.

There will be a dedication event for the donated animal and pet collections at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 12th at the East Hills Library. 

A collection of books related to animals and pets will also be located at the Downtown Library, 927 Felix St.

For more information contact Mary Beth Revels at [email protected] or (816) 232-4038.