Well, here's how. Every six weeks the Library's Book Selection Committee--Amy Cady, Franny Taliaferro (Chair), Ann Gold, Ed Greene and Julie Devlin--meets to discuss books each thinks are of interest. During the previous six weeks, members have all perused book review resources such as the New York Times Book Review Booklist, the New Yorker, the New York Review of Books, the Washington Post, and collected patron requests.
Members present their selection of titles for new buys in the areas of fiction, nonfiction, and mystery.
WHAT'S ON THE SHELF
Each category is voted upon separately, and if a title receives three votes, it's bought. Fewer than three, further discussion takes place.
Books are ordered mainly from Baker & Taylor, which gives libraries a 40 percent discount off list price, as well as from other sources.
Many DVDs, magazines, and books (old and new) come to the Library via donation from patrons. The Library sometimes holds onto many of the donations to feature in its annual fundraising sales.
Books on CD and tape also come to Cornwall on three-month loan from the Middletown Library Service Center.
Library Director Amy Cady says that she is constantly amazed by the generosity of the Library's patrons and urges all to continue to voice requests. It does matter.
Peggy Tagliarino, Cornwall Chronicle, November 2007.