Cheap Thank-You Gifts for Public Library Volunteers
Library volunteers help keep venerable institutions alive -- without them, it's hard to say how libraries would survive and thrive. You want to give these hardworking volunteers a special thank-you gift, but as a public organization, the library may be short on funds. You need something fun, fast and appropriate. Don't worry -- plenty of inexpensive yet thoughtful gifts are at your disposal.
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Bookmarks
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Bookmarks are a natural choice for a gift, and very inexpensive too. Stock up on different varieties -- paper, metal or plastic. They can be long and rectangular, die-cut or even have moving parts. The least costly ones can be had for less than one dollar, while even the most expensive are no more than ten dollars. However, if you're going to give out one-dollar bookmarks, try to include several of them.
Bookplates
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Bookplates are another appropriate choice and can be bought in small packs, usually for less than five dollars. There are designs for every book lover, which library volunteers often are. Try to match the plate with the subject area that the volunteer enjoys reading, if you are aware of it. For instance, choose a bookplate with a ship for the volunteer who likes sea adventures, or a spyglass for the mystery aficionado.
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Books
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Books are an obvious choice for library volunteer gifts. Since new books can be expensive, however, you may have to get creative in finding alternatives. If your library has a used section, check it carefully for special finds that volunteers may appreciate. Scour used book sales or online vendors for remainder editions. These are copies that the publisher couldn't sell, and can often be had at like-new condition for a fraction of the book's original cost.
Lotion
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An unusual but much-appreciated gift may be hand lotion or moisturizer. Working with paper and books all day can leave volunteers' hands dry and cracked from dust. Choose a creamy and nourishing hand cream -- often only a few dollars -- that volunteers can use to refresh themselves throughout the day.
Eyeglasses
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Many library volunteers are older men and women who are farsighted -- they have difficulty seeing things that are close up, such as small print. Buy them inexpensive reading glasses, often available at bookstores. They come in all sorts of fun prints and designs that are sure to delight those volunteers who use reading glasses -- but get the prescriptions of their glasses first, unless the gift is a surprise.
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References
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