When most people think of donations, they think $$$. We certainly appreciate those kinds of donations, but for this article, Im going to talk about the donations of used books, DVDs and audio books that we receive at the Cortez Public Library.
Regular library users might be aware that we sell used books for $1 per pound and movies and audio books for $1 each. They might also be aware that occasionally we put out a free book table. This is all part of the process of handling used books that are donated.
What do we really do with all those donated used books, videos, DVDs and audio books?
The first thing our staff does is to look at the condition of the book. If it is not in good shape it goes right to the sale shelves or sometimes in the trash. If it is in good shape we look up the title and see if we already own it. If it is something of general interest that we do not own already, we will decide whether to keep it or not. If we do own the title, we will check the condition of our copy and possibly replace it with the new copy. If we decide not to keep it, we will look up the value of the book on the amazon.com used book section. If it is worth more than $10, we will list it and hopefully sell it. If not, it goes to the $1 a pound book sale. If it does not sell on the $1 a pound sale in a reasonable amount of time, it will be culled and put on the free book table. Free books disappear quickly.
The library receives various benefits from the many donated materials we receive each year. At a patrons suggestion, we began selling books on Amazon six years ago. In the course of the six years we have earned nearly $14,000 from our Amazon used book account. Two years ago, we used $10,000 of our earnings to purchase new software for the library.
In 2001, when we moved into the new library, we owned about 27,000 books. Since then our collection has increased to about 79,000. We estimate that about half of these are from books that have been donated.
The Friends of the Library popular ongoing $1 a pound book sale nets us approximately $8,000 more per year. This money is spent on new books that we purchase.
If you are thinking of donating books to the library, please load them in small boxes if you can. We ask that you do not bring us Readers Digest condensed books. DVDs and videos are very popular at the library. If you have some you dont think you will watch again, wed love to have them.
Two upcoming programs at the library will be performed by Benny Benally and Hershman John. Benny Benally, a Navajo Storyteller, will be performing on Tuesday, March 29, at 2 p.m. This program is provided by the Friends of the Cortez Public Library.
On April 7 at 7 p.m., Hershman John, Navajo poet, fiction writer and professor, will be performing his poetry. He will be teaching a writing workshop on Friday, April 8, at 10 a.m. This program is partially sponsored by Colorado Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Joanie Howland is director of the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St. She can be reached at 970-565-8117.
