Children’s Books Replace Mugs as Gifts for Club Speakers

by Jack White, President, Kiwanis Club of Abingdon, VA

How many mugs (or pens) do most people need?

The Kiwanis Club of Abingdon recently asked that question about its long-time practice of giving mugs with the club’s name to people who spoke at its meeting. But they had a better idea.

The club last month began donating a children’s book to the Washington County [VA] Public Library in the name of each speaker, as a means of thanking them for their presentation.

Here’s how it happened:

First, the Children’s Librarian was approached and she was more than pleased to help. In fact, she agreed to join the club. First, though, she placed an order for 12 children’s books that she personally selected as appropriate and needed in the Library’s collection.

With four meetings per month, these books will last the club three months. A new order will be placed before the present order is depleted. While the books normally sell for $15 each, the Library’s discounted price was $9, which the club paid. That was just $2 more than the cost of the mugs the club had been giving.

Next a special bookplate was designed (see copy). A month’s worth is printed with the date and speakers’ name, using off-the-shelf 4/page labels. A label is placed inside each book and, after the program, the speaker signs the plate (see photo) which the president earlier signed. The book then is delivered to the Library. A signing photo is taken for the club's weekly newsletter.

How is this being received? Club President Jack White says everyone is pleased: The Library now has a steady stream of new children’s books without straining its budget, speakers are pleased that a book with their name will be part of the permanent Library collection, and club members know they are doing something to help children while thanking their speakers.

Whose idea was it? White does not know. He saw a book presentation and signing during a recent interclub visit to the nearby Bristol Kiwanis Club, of the KY-TN District. Whether the idea originated in Bristol, White does not know, but he says good Kiwanis ideas are for sharing.

(Above) Sponsor Melissa Belcher signs a plate in children’s book after the June 15 meeting of the Abingdon Kiwanis Club. She made a presentation about the 2010 Key Leader weekend that two members of her Patrick Henry High School Key Club attended.

(Above) Printed book plate that Melissa Belcher and the club president signed before this chldren’s book was given to the Library.