It seems counterintuitive, but when you buy a book that is missing from a series shelved in the Eugene Public Library, then donate it to the library (in the same format as the rest of the series), the library staff members usually do not put it on their shelves, but rather sell it to a book reseller! I have been told by library staff members that about 98% to 99% of donations are sold off in this way.

I buy these missing series books because I want to read them and have been disappointed in the past, to the extent that I no longer give any books to the library. I gift them to one of the many Little Free Libraries in town. The library will not agree in advance to shelve these potential book donations – I have tried.

How is this behavior rational? Is there a way to change it?

Duncan Rhodes
Eugene