Public libraries have limited funds and floor space so it’s important to make the most of both. Librarians look at factors such as usage statistics, condition, relevancy, and age when evaluating which items to withdraw from a collection. Few people love books more than a librarian. We value every book, movie, game and more which makes the decision to remove an item extremely difficult. But using the factors listed above as guiderails, public libraries are able to objectively withdraw material to make room for new, more relevant, and requested items.
After an item has been removed from our collection, we rely on partners like the Friends of the Plain City Public Library to help with responsible disposal through book sales, promotional giveaways, and in cases when material is damaged or obsolete, recycling. Book sales are an efficient way to make withdrawn items available to community members while raising funds to support library programs and services. In 2025, the Friends of the Plain City Public Library supplied workshop equipment, program supplies, and support for our annual Summer Reading Program series for all ages.
Interested in being a Friend? Shop at the next book sale on Saturday, Dec. 6th, at the library, from 10am to 5pm. And consider attending a Friends of the Library meeting on the third Wednesday of the month at 7pm to hear more about library news and events.