What does it take to adopt-a-book?
People donated $21,362.75, adopting 690 books
It is exciting to see new books on display at your local library during Western Counties Regional Library’s Adopt-A-Book campaign (AAB).
Yarmouth library clerk River Clairmont places an Adopt-A-Book bookplate in the front of a newly adopted book. Library clerks play a critical role in the campaign’s success.
But, what does it take to get that book on display and available to the public during this vital fundraiser?
“About four months before the start of the campaign, much of my time is spent updating the staff binders, containing posters, procedures, forms, and various supplies,” says Office Manager Yvonne LeBlanc. “These are sent to all 10 library branches before the start of the campaign, along with the new books available to be adopted.”
Before the campaign begins, Collections Manager Lydia Hunsberger and Acquisitions Clerk Karen Doucet meet. They work together to ensure the branches have the books they need for the campaign.
Six-Month Head Start
“I start thinking about Adopt-A-Book about six months in advance,” says Hunsberger. “I make sure we have our supplies. I work with our (book) vendors to make sure things arrive more or less ready to go. I review all of our internal staff procedures to make sure the campaign runs as smoothly as possible.”
“Most people probably don’t realize purchasing for Adopt-A-Book is largely done by one person,” she says. “It’s a big job.”
Doucet has to get the items into the library catalogue. This can affect the processing and circulation of other items.
The Adopt-A-Book items are more labour intensive. Doucet has to create labels and bookplates, and confirm pricing for the tags on the outside of the books that are to be adopted.
Once the books are ready, they need to go through a four-step process to be added to the library catalogue.
“This is very time consuming and is often the stage in which errors will occur,” she says.
On the front lines, the library clerks play a critical role in the campaign’s success.
Some of the library branch staff organize fundraisers for AAB.
Some library branches create mini-fundraisers in support of the Adopt-A-Book campaign such as the chance auction at the Digby library. They allow people who may not be able to afford a bigger donation support the cause.
“We spent a lot of time on the Adopt-A-Book Chance Auction fundraiser,” says Digby library clerk Cindy Hazel. The staff gather donations, set up prize packs and prepare publicity for the auction.
Some library branches create mini-fundraisers in support of the Adopt-A-Book campaign such as the chance auction at the Digby library. They allow people who may not be able to afford a bigger donation support the cause.
“We also have to prepare a display for the books to be adopted,” adds fellow Digby clerk Jadyn Samson.
Samson says the auction allows those who might not be able to adopt a book still contribute by buying a ticket. All funds raised buys new books for the library.
The library’s Clare and Weymouth branches ran 50/50 fundraisers during the campaign.
People Get to Choose Books
Samson and Hazel say people get excited about the fundraiser because they choose the books.
Hunsberger loves ordering and selecting the books, but she has to ensure each branch gets the right mix of books.
“I need to make sure all the branches have a diverse selection of books. I also need to be aware of trends and demand for certain items, which can be a challenge,” she says. “It makes me happy when I can send out a book that I know patrons will be excited to see on the shelves.”
Doucet is a bit removed from the excitement the campaign generates in the branches. She is always buoyed by news of people’s generosity.
“I enjoy learning about the incredible donations that come through, such as Y-Con and Friends of the Library groups,” she says. “It is very heartwarming when I witness the overwhelming support and appreciation extended to the library.”
LeBlanc is also impressed with how library users respond to the campaign.
“The thing I enjoy the most about Adopt-A-Book is seeing how many of the same patrons donate to every Adopt-A-Book campaign,” she says. The campaign began in 1996 and happens every two years.
“I feel that the public want to help their library by donating to the fundraiser,” says LeBlanc. “It is a way of saying ‘thank you’ for the library service they receive.”
Samson and Hazel agree.
“The public seems to respond well to the fundraiser,” Hazel says. “They want to help the library as they appreciate all that we do.”
Hunsberger knows how expensive the books are and how difficult things are in today’s economic environment.
“I think it’s amazing that folks are coming out and showing support for their library,” she says.
“Books are not cheap, and I’ve noticed a big increase in cost over the past year. With costs rising in all other areas of life, the fact that people are still willing to come out and adopt a book to support their library is incredible.”