|
|
How to Donate DVDs for the Library's Feature Film Shelf
Donating DVDs can give library users another way to enjoy a film while helping the Friends provide books, materials and programmes. For the Crestline Library’s film shelf, the best gift is a clean, playable copy that fits the collection, not simply the largest number of discs.
Start by separating what you would happily lend from what you would keep. Libraries need intact discs, matching cases and clear titles. In Australian cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, households can find DVDs at garage sales, op shops and school fetes; donate lawfully owned copies, not unofficial recordings.
Crestline Friends of the Library supports the library in Crestline, California. Australian supporters should confirm that overseas postage is accepted before buying a mailer, or ask whether a nearby library would welcome the films. A local drop-off may deliver more value than a costly parcel crossing the Pacific.
Good preparation speeds up sorting and protects discs from damage. It also helps you check that your choices suit the shelf’s focus. The same care applies whether you donate one case or organise a family collection.
| Donation route | Who it suits | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Direct hand-over | Nearby supporters with a few discs | Acceptance rules and opening hours |
| Postal parcel | Donors who cannot visit | Postage, packaging and customs needs |
| Community collection | Families, clubs or workplaces | Advance coordination and clear labelling |
| Local library referral | Donors far from Crestline | Whether films meet its collection policy |
Check what the shelf accepts
Ask the Friends what the feature film shelf accepts before buying a mailer. Policies may exclude duplicates, untitled discs or adult-only material. Australian Classification Board labels such as M, MA15+ and R18+ provide an initial screen, but the library’s collection rules still decide. A background guide to online slots in Australia helps explain why adult-oriented interactive content remains separate from ordinary lending.
Many Australian DVDs are sold for Region 4 playback and may not run on the library’s North American equipment. Ask whether the library can play them or prefers Region 1 copies. Checking a disc in a working player is more reliable than judging it by its packaging.
Decide how you wish to be credited. Australian community organisations generally handle personal information under the Privacy Act 1988, so agree on any name or photograph to be published and keep contact details out of public donor lists.
Prepare the DVDs for processing
Set aside a few discs for checking:
- Play a short section of each DVD and inspect the disc for scratches.
- Match every disc to its case; put loose discs aside.
- Separate duplicates, extras and adult-oriented titles for review.
- Record each title and note any missing cases or booklets.
Pack for a careful handover:
- Use a sturdy box with padding around each case.
- Keep discs inside their cases and upright if possible.
- Include a short inventory of everything supplied.
- Share contact details privately if follow-up is needed.
Do not send a heap of loose discs or expect untested titles to be selected automatically. If the collection contains many DVDs, telephone the Friends before delivering it so staff can allocate space and confirm which categories they need.
Choose a practical donation route
The direct hand-over is simplest and cheapest. Posting suits a compact gift, but Australia Post or another carrier can make the cost disproportionate to a few DVDs. Confirm the destination, packaging standard and customs requirements before buying a box, and retain the tracking details.
Community collections need more care. Arrange a date, sort by format and label each case rather than leaving a mixed box on the doorstep. When teenagers are the priority, the Friends’ case for more teen donations shows how age-appropriate material and active programming work together.
Build a collection worth watching
A balanced collection can include classic Australian films, family features, documentaries and recent releases, subject to the shelf’s rules. Titles such as The Castle or The Man from Snowy River may appeal to Australian audiences, but format, condition and the library’s preferences matter more than a film’s nationality.
Include useful details in your inventory, especially audio tracks, subtitles and closed captions. Multilingual films can support language learning, while subtitled titles help families and learners. This information makes the donation easier to catalogue and more likely to be picked.
Support programmes beyond the screen
Film access is one part of a welcoming library. Literacy events such as annual spelling bees show how activities in English and local languages can welcome children and families who might otherwise feel overlooked. Fundraising and donated resources help the Friends offer more inclusive programmes alongside films.
A good film programme can bring people through the door and connect them with reading groups, youth activities and performances. These connected programmes often depend on volunteer time and money. Ask whether the Friends prefer a particular project, age group or event to receive support.
Send the donation and stay connected
When everything is ready, confirm acceptance once more, especially for an overseas parcel. Put an inventory inside the box, state which films belong on the film shelf and keep a copy of the delivery tracking. A clear handover prevents confusion about missing or unsuitable items.
Your gift can also help sustain activities such as the Friends’ free community concerts, which give residents reasons to visit beyond borrowing books. A well-curated film collection complements those events with options for family nights, holiday viewing and group discussion.
Choose a small, clean selection that suits the shelf, confirm the current rules and contact the Friends before delivery. Every usable disc and every donation toward youth work helps Crestline Library keep good films and welcoming programmes within reach.