The Palos Heights Public Library recognizes that the donation of used books, cassettes, records, compact discs, etc., is a natural outgrowth of being a library. Often donated material is added to our collection or used as replacements for our worn items.

When either donated material or items weeded out of the collection are no longer useful, it becomes necessary to dispose of them. This policy deals with the disposal of unused material.

The Library will first try to sell all unused material, with the proceeds going into the Library’s account. The Library will maintain an ongoing book sale utilizing two (2) designated book shelving units in the front circulation area. This sale will be confined to those shelves and contain the “better appearing” items for sale. In January, bundled discarded magazines will be sold on a special cart and/or table.

Also, the Library will conduct one big book sale per year to be held in August. As an ongoing practice, technical services staff will sort and box the ongoing weeded items. These will be transported by volunteer or page assistance and be stored in the Library annex until the next scheduled sale.

The primary time for accepting material donations will be each week on Saturday. Assistance will be provided. First opportunity to assist will be given to Friends of the Library members. Other community members may volunteer, e.g., community service students, honor society. All shall work under the Library guidelines.

Any exceptions to this policy regarding acceptance of donations may be made by the Administrative Librarian with the final decision regarding accepting or not accepting a donation by the Board of Trustees.

The Library will always try to distribute material that is inappropriate or does not sell to worthy causes, e.g., nursing homes, V.A. hospitals.

This policy shall be reviewed annually.


PROCEDURES

Items not to be accepted:

Text books more than 2 years old.
  • Magazines, including National Geographic.
  • Encyclopedias more than 10 years old.
  • Material that is musty, mildewed, soiled or torn.
  • Readers Digest Condensed Books.
  • Library staff may accept used donated material per the above criteria.
  • Donated items will be placed on a cart in the storage closet.
  • Large donations may be put by Administrative Librarian’s office until sorting can be done.
  • As volunteer help allows, items will be sorted to be put out for immediate sale or boxed for the annual sale.
  • It is difficult to say “no,” but we really do not have the room to accept everything.
  • Receipts will be given for quantity donated – not value. Forms are in drawer at circulation desk.


    • Adopted: