When the Lewes library book sale ends, Better World Books takes over

Edward Taylor hefted cardboard cartons filled with books into the back of a big truck. He smiled as he worked, despite the heat of the day, the weight of the books.  The books were what was left over from this fall's book sale sponsored by Friends of the Lewes Public Library.

According to Candace Vesella, president of the Friends' group, the leftover books are taken by an organization called Better World Books. When she saw me taking a photo of Edward loading the books, Candace said she would provide information about how the whole program works. It's really cool. Here's what Candace sent.

By the way, Edward works for MTM Ventures which gathers books for Better World.  He feels good about what he's doing, purposeful work, gainful employment, part of a productive economy.  That's the good stuff.

OK, here's what Candace told me:

"The Friends of the Lewes Public Library have shipped all the books we were not able to sell during the Labor Day weekend book sale to a company called Better World Books.

"Better World Bookssells them on BetterWorldBooks.com and across 50+ other online marketplaces to generate funds for our library, a nonprofit literacy partner of Better World Books.  Better World Books never throws away a book. If, for some reason, a book does not sell across one of the marketplaces, it is donated. For every book purchased on BetterWorldBooks.com one is donated, Book for Book™. Books unable to be sold or donated are recycled. The Better World Books business model ensures that no book ever goes to waste.

"The Friends of the Lewes Public Library receive a percentage of the sale of books sold.  In turn, the Friends of the Lewes Public Library purchase all the books in the Lewes Public Library.   The monies provided by Better World Books sales help with that mission.

"This fall book sale was the last book sale before the library moves into the new building in Spring 2016. The Lewes Public Library is not accepting donations of books and other materials at this time. Once we have moved, we will resume acceptance of book donations and make plans for the next book sale. The Friends will have a shop in the new library to sell books and other items to pay for new books for the library and programs offered to our community.

"A list of other libraries and thrift shops where books may be accepted for donation is available at the Library circulation desk and on the Library’s website at leweslibrary.org.

"Thank you for your understanding, and stay tuned for details about the opening of the new Library!

"For more information on Better World Books go to: www.betterworldbooks.com."

Thanks to Candace for bringing this process into focus and Better World Books for such an enlightened business model.