Where does library get there books??

[[deleted user]]

have u ever wondered how a library was started? and where they got all there books??? if we want to start a library we have to buy each book that we want but how does a library in your town or out of town get there books?? it might be a stupid question but the only stupid questions to me are the ones not asked ;)

[Ashley]

Um the library buys the books. They order them then they put the books on the shelves. It's really simple actually.

[Chelsea]

I know some of the books are bought with money from fees that people have to pay.

[Laura]

In the libraries in my town you can give them stock suggestions then they go looking for the book and buy it which is great because they don't have half the books on my recommended reading list

[Chelsea]

If my library doesn't have the book I'm looking for, and it's not at any of the other branches, then they ask if you would like them to order it.

[N]

Well Libraries are owned and run by the government or local council. Books are bought by the money raised by taxes like all other public services. You are correct - only stupid question is the one not asked!

[Jon]

Interesting tidbit:
The Library of Congress (the national library of the US) was burned down during the war of 1812 and lost most of its books, so Thomas Jefferson sold them his entire book collection.

[Ashley]

Maybe they start out with donations from people and then buy books with money from fees

[Laura]

My local council are cutting the libraries budget and they may be run by volunteers its surprising how much libraries need to run

[Nila]

A lot of books are donated to libraries, and from donations of money

[Ashley]

I can tell you as a librarian...books are ordered, bought at book stores, or donated to the library...it's really kind of straight forward...depends on the library really...

[[deleted user]]

Wow...I never knew that...thanks for telling me!

[Patricia]

My school library gets their books from private donations, school budget, and fundraising.

[Chelsea]

I think school libraries are run differently than public libraries. That's just a thought though - it may be wrong.

[Criss]

School libraries generally have to consider collection development based on subjects taught, student and teacher needs and changing academic goals. There are also various lists generated by state library associations "top book suggestions" that are often required reading for particular grade levels. It is a balancing act to acquire the necessary titles with a diminishing budget.

[Christian]

They order them. My librarian actually gets free books if she reads and reviews them. Neat huh?

[Brittany]

I know as a collector I sometimes screw up and buy a double copy of something. In which case I donate the double copy to the library. Usually happens when I am collecting a certain series. Now I carry a list of books I need or want for my collection.

[Karen]

I am a librarian, and I have been responsible for purchasing books for the library. A local library gets a budget for salaries, subscriptions, books, etc. from the county and township (through your taxes). We receive monies and books from donations, and book sales. My library has a book sale several times a year. We receive book donations from all over the community for the sale. Unfortunately, when there is a budget cut, the library budget is the first to be cut, which is understandable. We have had to cut back on staff and hours. We used to be open 7 days a week, we have cut back to 6.