MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Public Library Donation Idea

MrsJoseph · 12-21-2010, 05:26 PM

I had an interesting conversation with my cousin last week. We were discussing the cost of college for young men and women in the UK due to the recent tuition increase. He told me he felt that the same would happen soon in the US and lots of people would be unable to get a decent job due to a lack of a college degree. [Ignoring other parts of the conversation] At the end of the discussion we both agreed that as long as there is a free public library system, people can manage some type of self-education.

I am a huge fan of my public library. Once I received my Kobo ereader I was very excited to be able to borrow ebooks.

Then I actually used the ebook library system (Overdrive) and noticed that there several books and authors that I love and couldn’t locate.

I want to try to start some avenue or program or something that would allow people to donate ebooks to their local library (or to Overdrive – whatever). It’s been noticed that people donate most when they can control the donation, so I feel that being able to donate particular authors/books may encourage people to donate.

I am not talking of going through your book collection and giving a copy to the library (which would be pirating), but rather some function that would allow for the purchase of a book from a legal vendor and then donating that purchase (and the download attached) to the library. I would consider this in addition to access of PDB.

I have contacted my local library and asked about this possibility (they subscribe to Overdrive). They admitted that it is something they have never given any thought (as no patron has ever asked the questions) but would love to be able to encourage book donations as much as possible. I was told that the suggestion would be brought up in meetings and the result reported back to me.

I would love it if people at MR can help me flesh out this admittedly vague idea into something that may be worthwhile - especially since there is the wonderful Patricia Clark Memorial Library already in place – I can see no greater tribute to such a great bibliophile as to spread knowledge as much as possible.

12-21-2010, 05:26 PM	#1
MrsJoseph Loves Ellipsis... Posts: 1,554 Karma: 7899232 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Washington, DC Device: Kobo Wifi (broken), nook STR (returned), Kobo Touch, Sony T1	Public Library Donation Idea - love help fleshing out I had an interesting conversation with my cousin last week. We were discussing the cost of college for young men and women in the UK due to the recent tuition increase. He told me he felt that the same would happen soon in the US and lots of people would be unable to get a decent job due to a lack of a college degree. [Ignoring other parts of the conversation] At the end of the discussion we both agreed that as long as there is a free public library system, people can manage some type of self-education. I am a huge fan of my public library. Once I received my Kobo ereader I was very excited to be able to borrow ebooks. Then I actually used the ebook library system (Overdrive) and noticed that there several books and authors that I love and couldn’t locate. I want to try to start some avenue or program or something that would allow people to donate ebooks to their local library (or to Overdrive – whatever). It’s been noticed that people donate most when they can control the donation, so I feel that being able to donate particular authors/books may encourage people to donate. I am not talking of going through your book collection and giving a copy to the library (which would be pirating), but rather some function that would allow for the purchase of a book from a legal vendor and then donating that purchase (and the download attached) to the library. I would consider this in addition to access of PDB. I have contacted my local library and asked about this possibility (they subscribe to Overdrive). They admitted that it is something they have never given any thought (as no patron has ever asked the questions) but would love to be able to encourage book donations as much as possible. I was told that the suggestion would be brought up in meetings and the result reported back to me. I would love it if people at MR can help me flesh out this admittedly vague idea into something that may be worthwhile - especially since there is the wonderful Patricia Clark Memorial Library already in place – I can see no greater tribute to such a great bibliophile as to spread knowledge as much as possible.