by Anessa Olson

Thanksgiving is almost upon us, and here at the Ames Public Library we are grateful for many things. We appreciate the ongoing support of our community, the hard work of our colleagues in city government, and of course the generosity of the volunteers and donors who make our work possible. In addition to monetary donations, the library also receives many donated books each month. 

Donated books go through a multi-stage process in order to make sure each book finds its new home. First, library collection managers check to see if there are any books that are needed for the library’s collection.  Then library staff select books for our uncatalogued collections.  These collections are not added to the library’s catalog and are not available for check out. Instead, we make these books available on the spinning racks in our lobby, or as temporary loans to organizations within our community. This allows community members who may not have a library card, or who find it challenging to get to the library regularly, an opportunity to borrow materials and return them as they are able. 

After library staff have gone through the donations, our excellent team of volunteers sorts the books into several categories. Some are set aside for the library’s book sales, and others are made available for sale right away at our Literary Grounds used book store. All proceeds from the sales and the book store go to support the library. The funds are used for things like library events, craft supplies, free meals in the summer for children, or our growing collection of Wi-Fi hot spots that provide internet access to community residents. 

Any books that are left over are given away, either on the free shelf past the Welcome Desk or at one of our periodic free paperback giveaways in the lobby. Each book has multiple opportunities to be rehomed, and those few that are badly damaged or unwanted are sustainably recycled. 

 The library’s work would not be possible without the support of our community, our volunteers, and our donors, and we strive to make the most of what we have been given. Follow the Ames Public Library Friends Foundation on Facebook or Instagram to see your donations at work. For more information about supporting the library, visit our website: https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/get-involved

Thank you!