08/31/2026
Welcome to another installment of How to? Library!
We often have patrons bring books, movies, clothing and canned goods in to donate here at the Library. It is such a wonderful blessing to be part of a community that cares deeply enough about their neighbors to donate items for community use, isn't it? We think so too! Something that many of you probably don't realize is the sheer number of donated books and movies that we get each year - it easily numbers in the thousands most years! One question that we sometimes get from patrons who have donated something - especially if it's a book or a movie is: Why is the item I donated on your 'For Sale' cart?
For each item that is donated to our library, we go through a process of determining if that item should be added to our collection, put out for sale or destroyed. The criteria for adding an item to our collection are:
- We must not have a copy of that item in our collection.
- If we have a copy of that item in our collection, we keep the donated item only if it's in better condition than our current copy.
- The item can't have damage beyond light use wear and tear.
- The item can't be heavily marked or highlighted.
If a particular item doesn't meet the requirements above, then it is typically put on the for sale cart. If an item is damaged beyond use (torn covers, mold or mildew infestation, extreme water damage) then we deem the item unusable and destroy it.
Here's the thing to remember though: just because you donate an item and we decide to sell it instead of adding it to our collection, you have still been a huge benefit to the library in your giving. Every item sold adds money back to our funds to be able to buy books or fund programs for summer reading. Every single time you come in and utilize the library, that adds to the statistics that we have to report to the state every year. Increases in patron uses means increased funds from taxpayer dollars for our library, which means more utility out of your library for YOU! So, come on in this week and visit us, you may just learn how to? Library!
Tune in next week for more.
