Library explains why it is unable to accept donations
WANTING to donate about 100 books in good condition, one islander was surprised to find that the Guille-Alles Library does not accept donations of second-hand ones.
‘I have about 100 embroidery and craft books which I need to get rid of, all in good condition,’ Betty Watson told the Guernsey Press.
She phoned the library to see if they would like any of the books which they might not have in their collection.
‘I was most surprised to be told that they didn’t take second-hand books,’ she said.
‘I can appreciate they would want them to be in good condition, but felt it was very short-sighted of them to immediately say no without considering what I had to offer.’
Adam Bayfield, head of marketing at reader experience at the library, explained: ‘While we are always appreciative when people think of donating books to us, unfortunately we are unable to accept donations.
‘Our stock is managed through a planned strategy devised by our librarians, who purchase books from our suppliers based on criteria including currency and relevance.
‘We also have to consider the limitations of space in our building and the amount of shelf space we have available, which make an open donations policy impractical.’
Some exceptions are made for items of exceptional interest, such as items of significant local history interest, though these may be passed to the Priaulx Library or States Archives if more appropriate.
. If anyone is interested in Betty’s craft and embroidery books, email her, bwatson@cwgsy.net.
