Raise money for the RSM Library by shopping ‘Benefit Days’ at Borders.
When you think of Borders and a used bookstore, “competitors” might be the first word that comes to mind. But in Rancho Santa Margarita, the word “partners” will soon describe the relationship between the neighborhood Borders and the Friends of the Library used bookstore.
In pilot community-outreach program, the RSM Friends of the Library will have designated “Benefit Days” at Borders. On those days, when Friends of the Library supporters shop at Borders, Borders will donate a percent of the sale to Friends of the Library. In order for Friends of the Library to get credit for the sale, library supporters will need to show a bar-coded bookmark, which they can pick up at the FOL Bookstore or print out from this page (coupon at right). “Bargain-hunting shoppers know to come to the RSM Friends of the Library bookstore,” said Janet Gahagan, co-manager of non-profit store that sells donated books to raise money for the Rancho Santa Margarita Public Library. “Because we rely strictly on donations, sometimes we just don’t have what our shoppers are looking for. That’s when we refer them to the Borders store just across the parking lot from us.”
Co-manager Annmarie Kyriazis added: “We hate to lose a sale, but some shoppers need a specific book and we don’t have it. That’s particularly true this time of year when students or parents are tracking down books for classroom required reading lists.”
Dave Arney, corporate sales coordinator for Borders in Orange and San Diego counties, worked with Friends of the Library directors to help create a program with the potential to raise the most money to benefit the RSM Library.
“We're all about community right now,” Arney said. “With the ‘Benefit Days’ program, Borders has made an opportunity like this possible. This is a true community partnership, and the first relationship of its kind in the company. This is the kind of relationship that will define Borders going forward.”
The first Benefit Days will be held Tuesday, Sept. 14 through Saturday, Sept. 18. Benefit Days for the RSM Library will continue Friday and Saturday, October 8-9, and November 12-13. Anyone who shops at the RSM Borders during those days and presents the FOL bar-coded bookmark will be helping to raise money for the library. And customers aren’t limited to books: Borders will donate a portion of sales of music, movies, educational toys, stationery, gifts and games as well. Customers can also input the coupon code when they shop online at borders.com, too.
“This will work the same way as those ‘restaurant nights’ that many non-profits use as fund-raisers. In our case, it might seem like we are sending business to a competitor, but the fact is when shoppers need or want a certain book, they will check with us first and buy it retail if we don’t have it,” said Sandra Draper, who handles publicity and the website for Friends of the Library. “This way, Friends of the Library is still raising money for the RSM Library — even when we send our customers to Borders.”
RSM Senior Branch Librarian Carla Hope is enthusiastic about the "Benefit Days" program. "Libraries are seeing shrinking budgets and increasing demand for community services. Any additional money our Friends of the Library chapter can raise with partnerships such as this can only help us better serve Rancho Santa Margarita. I hope everyone in need of a book or two will pick up one of the FOL bookmarks and do their shopping on our ‘Benefit Days.'
"We've partnered with Borders before on projects, and we know they are a generous organization and great community partners," Hope added.
Borders recently restructured its “Benefit Days” program in a tiered format to encourage greater contributions. Now, the more customers shop in-store or online at Borders.com, the greater the percentage of sales Borders will donate to Friends. The least Friends will receive is 10 percent on sales of up to $1,500; as total sales increase, Friends has the potential to receive up to 25 percent. In addition, if Friends chooses to receive its earnings in the form of Borders gift cards, it will earn an additional 5% on sales
“Borders understands the vital need for community fundraising, particularly in these financially difficult times,” Arney said.
