What should we do to remind readers that the chain has finished?
You could send bookchain members a letter to remind them of the finishing date and to ask them to return all books to the library as soon as possible. You might want to tell them any plans you have to
- display the comments in the library
- organise a social gathering for bookchain members
- start a new bookchain
Sample letter: to mark the end of the bookchain
What should we do with the reader comments?
Reader comments generated by a bookchain are a fantastic resource for any library. Here are some suggestions of what you could do with them.
- Display them on a noticeboard in a prominent place in the library. Keep comments on the same book together so that other borrowers can see the range of opinions.
- Create a small face-on display of bookchain books close to the noticeboard. Ensure this display is kept topped up by library staff. Treat it as a ‘Readers Recommend’ display and when the bookchain books are borrowed replace them with other paperbacks returned or suggested by staff and borrowers.
- Liaise with your local newspaper and supply them with bookchain comments for a regular ‘book of the day’ or ‘book of the week’ feature in the paper.
- Post the comments on your library website.