Book Donations During COVID
Salt Lake City Public Library, Utah
Innovation Synopsis
After the COVID closure, our online presence was strong but we still needed to do something to help children who may not own books, and the elderly who are higher risk and less likely to use online services. With support from our Friends, we launched two initiatives to deliver thousands of books to those most affected.
Challenge/Opportunity
At the time, we knew little about COVID and were concerned with circulating our materials and risking our staff and patron’s health. We decided book donations were the safest route to go, but didn’t know the best way to distribute those books safely. The library researched best practices and had minimal staff touching books. They were also required to wash hands, wear gloves and masks and recommended that recipients quarantine the books for three days after donation.
Key Elements of Innovation
The Friends of The City Library donated all books that were previously slotted for their used book sale. A member of our Executive Leadership Team called community organizations that needed help, to see if book donations would be welcomed. Our ELT member got a few staff volunteers to help her pull books aligned with the donation center’s wants and needs. Meanwhile, the Friends were fundraising to buy new books for kids and teens in Title 1 schools, which have the highest percentage of students qualifying for free lunch.
Achieved Outcomes
From May to mid-June, we donated over 7,000 books to 23 organizations, including the Salt Lake Chapter of Utah Foster Care, nursing homes, indigenous centers and recovery centers. We also launched “Books For Children” to support low-income kids, and supported a local bookstore by purchasing books directly from them. $12,500 worth of books were distributed to SLC kids and teens in-need. Books For Children is a partnership with the Salt Lake City Education Foundation and local bookseller, The King’s English.
