Once you’ve got a list of potential bookchain members, send out a letter to give interested people full information about what they have to do to join the library bookchain. Make sure all the instructions are clear and straightforward and allow approximately four weeks between the date of the letter and the deadline for handing in the bookchain book at the library. You may find the sample letter helpful when you come to write your own.
Click on the Introductory letter link in the right-hand menu for more resources you can send to prospective members.
Sample text: introductory letter
4 May 2007
Dear
Laketon Library Bookchain
Thank you for your interest in Laketon Library Bookchain.
As you probably know, to join the bookchain you need to submit a book of your own choice with a brief reader comment and, in return, you will receive 2 surprise reads.
The next chain will start in June. To take part you need to do the following
· Choose and read a book from Laketon Library.
· Write down between 50 – 100 words to describe what you thought of the book on the enclosed response sheet.
· Please do not fill in the bookchain identification number. This will be allocated at the start of the book chain in June.
· Bring the book and the response sheet into Laketon Library by Monday 4 June. Please also attach a piece of paper, bearing your name, to either the book or the sheet.
What happens next?
Some days after 4 June I will write to you to give you your bookchain identification number and details of how to complete the chain.
The library staff, and especially [named member of staff], will be on hand to answer any queries and help with any problems you may experience.
Happy reading!
Yours sincerely
[Name of bookchain organiser]