1st reads system

Here is a link to an interesting article that describes a new way for libraries to encourgage donations of new, relevant books from their patrons. http://www.infotoday.com/newsbreaks/nb050627-3.shtml
According to the 1st reads web site,http://www.1streads.org/ "1stReads is innovative, new Web-based library donation program that allows libraries to specify the titles and quantities of the books they’d like to have donated … and offers readers substantial economic incentives to donate them. " 1st reads seems like a good way for libraries to become less dependent on government funding which is not always reliable. It is a web based application which would allow patrons to look at a list of books being requested by the library (think bridal registry) that could be bought at discount prices for the purpose of donation to their local library. As an incentive, they could be palced at the top of the hold list for the book, so they would get to read it first. They would also be provided with documentation of all book donations at the end of the year so that they could be used as a tax write off. There are some fees and other drawbacks to the program, but it seems like it would work well in smaller libraries that serve communities that are affluent enough to be book buyers.