Though neither had any experience as hoteliers or philanthropists, they bought the land and began construction on a 60-room hotel, cultural center and library.

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When Province bought a run-down 82-year-old hospital in Elko, Nev. in 1998, it promised a new cardiac lab, cancer center, medical library and psychiatric programs--all without raising prices or reducing services.

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The government's rebuilding plan for a modern, low-rise city includes generous amounts of green space, a convention center, library and new sports complex.

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Ally read novels, wrapped up in her duvet beside the central-heating radiator in her bedroom, borrowing them from the center and the public library, sometimes finishing one and starting another without even changing her position or getting up to make coffee, like an addict.

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Even in places where power was not disrupted, people with no air-conditioning were advised to spend the day in a library, a cooling center or some other such place to avoid heat exhaustion.

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