Is it tacky to have stickers saying "Donated by Your Name" in books which you donate to the local library?

Question

I have a collection of books that I am planning on donating to my local library and to my old school library and I want to put "This book was donated by... (My Name)" stickers on the inside front covers.

For e.g. http://www.zazzle.com/this+book+donated+by+stickers

I remember reading books donated by other people when I was a little kid and thinking that one day when I was older I would do the same but now I find myself second guessing the practice.

Answer 1

I would ask the librarians at the library you plan to donate to what they think of this. I don't think it's tacky at all, but they might prefer you don't. See what they think and go with that. But, if they're okay with it, I say go for it. There's nothing wrong with taking a little credit for your donations and I agree with the others that it might encourage people to donate as well.

Answer 2

I think that it's a good idea for a couple reasons. 1) You might encourage other children to donate books them selves. 2) It could also encourage children to write stories.



But I would be very careful of what info you put on a sticker though because of weird creepy people. Your safety should always come first.



What does it matter if a book has a tacky sticker (to some) look at books that have been ripped or written on .... For some it's a treasure regardless of what is or isn't on or in it, It just matters that they are able to read it. Some children don't get to read any books.



If you really want to donate why not see about sending them to places that don't have the resources for books??

Answer 3

I like the idea that you sort of know who donated the book because it really encourages you to donate too, and maybe some people would take better care of the book knowing that it was once someone's. However, I can't stand when a book is drawn on or has stickers on it. It just kind of spoils it a little. And of course there will be those people who will try to scrape the sticker off, damaging the book in the process. Maybe give it with some bookmarks in the books that say "donated by ..." instead? Thank you for donating!

Answer 4

If it's a thing in your library that some people do, like a tradition, I'd say go for it. You are giving something away for free so other people can enjoy it. A little acknowledgment, even just someone reading the sticker alone, is nice.



On the other hand if it's not common to do that at all, and the thought of people raising their eyebrows or laughing at you bothers you, I'd not do it. It is your name after all and once you donate them it'll be a fair bit of hard work to undo it.

Answer 5

Why does anyone need to know who donated the book they're reading?

Give from your heart, not from your desire for any recognition. Not saying that that is your point about the stickers.

If I read a book w one of those stickers, yes, I think I would wonder a bit about the person, just being curious. Even if just the name.

Answer 6

I would consider it tacky if you put such stickers in, though I would not if the library did. I would say it was sort of like Angelyne but even more pathetic.

Answer 7

No! It's OK by me.

Look, I love books. I'm a Bibliophreak!

I donate, and replace empty spots on my shelf.

Answer 8

It's a good way to get a stalker.