Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Question: I have many National Geographic magazines to give away, with most issues between 1989 and 1998. Do you know who might want them? Libraries, prisons
take magazinesAnswer: Kokua Line frequently gets requests such as these, as well as from people looking to give away books, old records and, especially, encyclopedias.
We thought we'd do an update on two places that we've mentioned in the past -- the Friends of the Library and the state prisons -- that generally will accept such donations. (If there is any other organization that would like used books and magazines, call Kokua Line, 525-8686, and we'll add your name to our list.)
But first, the word on encyclopedias is that demand is very minimal, usually because they tend to be too old or groups are up to their ears in donated sets.
"We don't want encyclopedias because of space, they tend to be dated and the information is now available on CD-ROMs," explained Maureen Tito, education program manager for the state Department of Public Safety, which runs the prison system.
Tito said inmates don't need more magazines at this point, but appreciate novels and dictionaries. "We'll take dictionaries in a heartbeat," she said. Call her at 587-1275.
The nonprofit Friends of the Library, meanwhile, collects books, magazines, records, videos and even artwork, year round, for its annual fund-raising sale.
This year, the sale will be held July 10-17 in the McKinley High School cafeteria. Proceeds will go to the state's public libraries.
The group will accept most books in good condition, except medical and law books and encyclopedias over 5 years old, said Executive Director Caroline Dvojacki.
It also will accept nondated magazines, such as National Geographic, Smithsonian, Field and Stream, and gardening and craft magazines. Not wanted are timely periodicals, such as Time and Newsweek, or Readers Digest.
If you wish to make a donation, the best thing is to bring it to the Friends' office and processing center in Kakaako, 690 Pohukaina St. Otherwise, drop donations off at the nearest public library.
Also, Dvojacki said, volunteers will be needed to set up tables and books, beginning July 6.
About 10,000 books will be offered for sale, she said. This year, there are more children's books than ever. That should be good news for parents and kids, since those books tend to be snatched up fast, many for only a fraction of their original cost, Dvojacki said.
Also, there will be records, videos and even eight-track tapes. "We sell an awful lot" of the tapes, she said.
A new feature this year will be a small art section, since the Friends has received donations of prints and other artwork.
"We also have lot of material in the Japanese language, more than usual, as well as technical books, an automotive section, history books and an incredible amount of fiction," she said.
The goal this year is to raise more than $100,000. If that happens, minus expenses, about $80,000 will benefit the libraries, Dvojacki said.
For more information or to volunteer, call 536-4174.
Hot tub, anyone?
Six-foot hot tub, with heater/pump, in good condition, available free to a nonprofit group that can haul it away. -- B.H.(Call Kokua Line, 525-8686, and we'll pass the name on to the donor.)
Need help with problems? Call Kokua Line at 525-8686,
fax 525-6711, or write to P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu 96802.
Email to kokualine@starbulletin.com