The 1700-1939 Book Club! discussion

Library Challenge:

We all LOVE books or we would not be part of goodreads and in book clubs! There are so many ways to obtain the books you read. You can buy the book or e-book, download a book for free, borrow from a friend or the LIBRARY.

I have a CHALLENGE for you ALL. I would love for you to DONATE a NEW book(s) to your local library that you love and they do not carry. If your library has an online catalogue it should be easy to find a book they do not offer or make a list and ask your librarian. Pick a fun and educational book you feel will impacted the people who borrow it from the library.

If you don't feel like donating a book, donate MONEY to the library to help the Librarians purchase a book they feel is necessary to add to the library collection. Libraries are a way to share a wealth of knowledge without people having to spend money and they are very important to your community.

If you are short on cash or feel you pay enough in taxes to support your local libraries think about VOLUNTEERING at your local library. Check out their website or ask what you can do to help.

Maybe you will want to do more than one of the above! I would love for you to share which book(s) you donate even if it does not fit into our group (It would be more fun if it did!) and share any volunteering experiences you have. If you are a Librarian share your thoughts!

I know I will be purchasing an extra book next time I go shopping for a good read! How about you?

Jamie,
Good suggestions all. I have been a member (which means I donate) to my library for years. I feel one should support the things that one utilizes and loves. I volunteer with a library program helping youngster learn to read.
I second your challenge. :-) The free public library is so important to our democracy.

Donating books though, check your library policy first. Our library sells for a dollar All donated books. Anything not sold that way are sold even cheaper at an annual book sale. None are put on shelves.

Books are critical to democracy. I'm very glad to hear someone else voice this sentiment other than myself. Bravo.

Diane wrote: "Jamie,
Good suggestions all. I have been a member (which means I donate) to my library for years. I feel one should support the things that one utilizes and loves. I volunteer with a library progra..."

Really! I wonder why they don't put it on the shelves? Thanks Diane!

It could be a very small library that doesn't need or have room for extra copies. I belong to a small one like that. Donated books are put on the shelves if they are new & in good condition or not already in the collection.

I asked about donated books at my local branch (our library system is not small - it has 23 branches)and the answer was that they will, in fact, keep some donated books if they are in "like new" condition and not already owned by the library. That said, I have tried to donate some of the lesser known Thomas Hardys and Anthony Trollopes (perfect condition)that the library did not own for their shelves but they had said they would be placing them up for sale. I kept them instead.
I think it also has to be a book they feel will have a readership and not just sit on the shelves. I base this on the fact that the collection is always being culled for long term unread books and those books placed for sale. The sale money is then used to purchase newer books with a wider appeal.