AncientReads learning workshop
Build a useful collection, not just a larger pile.
A planning guide for institutions choosing books, organizing a donation, or describing an unmet educational need.
Original ELR educational material · Free to use · No registration required
Define the readers and purpose
Begin with a specific use: classroom discussion, an introductory humanities shelf, a reading group, or accessible editions of frequently requested books. Identify reading levels, languages, interests, and formats without collecting individual children's private information.
Write one sentence describing the gap. "Readable editions of the same text for a discussion group" is more actionable than "more books." Check existing holdings before asking for duplicates.
Choose criteria before titles
Agree on subject relevance, reading level, completeness, edition quality, condition, accessibility, and how many copies can realistically be used. Decide whether one shared copy, matching copies, or several titles best serve the activity.
Older books may be useful, but dates matter for subjects that rely on current facts. For classics, identify the translator and distinguish complete translations from abridgments or adaptations. Let the receiving institution decide what fits its readers.
Budget for arrival, not only purchase
Include delivered cost: books, applicable taxes, shipping, and necessary handling. Compare totals rather than the lowest advertised unit price. Do not promise a quantity before pricing an order.
Illustrative calculation, not an ELR price or pledge
A hypothetical $100 budget with a $10 allowance for other costs leaves $90. At an assumed delivered cost of $9 per book, that funds 10 books. At $12, it funds 7 with $6 remaining. Actual costs and permitted uses depend on the purchase and funding terms.
Confirm receiving arrangements
Before shipping, check the institution's current public donation policy or obtain confirmation. Record the department, delivery address, receiving restrictions, and whether retailer shipments are accepted. A public mailing address is not automatically a book-donation address.
Do not send large boxes, unsuitable formats, or unrequested materials merely because shipping is convenient. Avoid leaving a recipient with an unexpected storage or disposal burden.
Keep a simple distribution record
Record the order date, titles, quantities, supplier, cost, institution, shipping details, and available evidence of receipt. "Ordered," "shipped," and "delivered" are different milestones.
Public updates should use institutional information and supported totals. Do not publish a child's name, home address, private records, or photograph without appropriate authorization.
Collection-planning worksheet
Institution and adult staff contact:
Readers served, without personal records:
Educational purpose and current gap:
Subjects, titles, and quantities:
Reading levels, languages, and formats:
Books or formats not accepted:
Delivered budget and funding source:
Receiving address and restrictions:
How receipt and use can be recorded:
Contacting ELR
ELR's physical-book program is developing. Use this worksheet to prepare an inquiry, but no request, purchase, or shipment is guaranteed. Do not send books to our correspondence address without arrangements.