The Friends Book Warehouse is a program of the Houston Public Library Foundation.
The book sorting and scanning program is an integral part of the Friends program.
Here is what the volunteer opportunity entails:
Step 1 Book Sorting – Be able to determine by examining the book what shape it’s in, excellent, good, moderate or damaged.
Step 2 Price the Book – On Google Shopping, or other pricing sites, determine the going price of the book. If you have an excellent book (no markings, bind is in perfect condition etc.) place the books in the Friends E-Commerce Associate’s area.
Step 3 Thrift Books - If the book is in good condition, try scanning it on the Thrift Books site which will either tell you to Send or Do Not Send the book. If Send, those books go in a Gaylord for shipping to Thrift. If you receive a Do Not Send, the books will go into the area for Book Sale. Moderate Books in many cases should also be scanned for Thrift first. In any case, the Volunteer should check the book to make sure the bind isn’t coming apart and there isn’t any tears or markings. Thrift system may say to Send the book. If Do Not Send, check to see if the book is worth going in the Book Sale. Otherwise, place the book in the area for Better World.
Step 4 - Damaged Books - If book has ripped pages or the bind is in bad shape, the book could possibly be saved for arts & crafts.
The Warehouse and Volunteer Manager will be there to train during each shift.
We absolutely could not manage the large volume of duties that come with the book warehouse without volunteers.
Because of the COVID-19 crisis, we have not had volunteers since early March. Please consider signing up and volunteering with the Friends Book Warehouse.
