Written by Sue Berthelot  

 Plans were made and carried out for a successful book drive. Now is the time to wrap up the details and enjoy all the new items in the library.  Consider the day after the drive, evaluation, and coming weeks.

Day After the Drive: Inventory the items and account for all items, sold and unsold. Set aside any items not purchased during the drive that the library team would like to purchase. Checks, cash, credit card, or debit card sales need to be turned in to the financial office. A check needs to be made out to the bookstore, if on consignment, and accompany any items that will be returned to the store. All unsold items need to be returned to the bookstore within one or two days of the drive to avoid any misplaced items. Also, any items purchased online need to be immediately shipped back to the vendor.

Evaluation: Everyone involved with the drive need to attend a meeting to discuss the positive and negative points of the drive. Discuss ways to improve and begin planning for the next drive. Did anyone spot a potential library team member during the drive?

Coming Weeks: Process the items as quickly as possible. Individuals who purchased some of the items will be eager to check them out, especially children. 

  1. As items are processed, remember the book plates. Take care with spelling of names.
  2. Acknowledgement cards are also a part of the process. Be sure to send cards to those who had a book placed in their honor.
  3. Memorial donations also need to be acknowledged. You may need to send multiple cards to family members who live in different towns.
  4. For items that were not given in memory or honor of an individual, a general acknowledgement in the church newsletter or Sunday bulletin is acceptable.

Check out further information on doing a church library book drives: “Planning a Church Library Book Drive” and “Implementing a Church Library Book Drive”.

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Sue Berthelot is a Church Librarians Network Team Member and leader of the Ascension Baptist Church, Gonzales, LA church library team.

 Download here: Wrapping Up a Church Library Book Drive

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