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Frequently Asked Questions about BAZL

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Is there a list of the grant-funded libraries and Friends organizations that I can contact to acquire books?
There is no definitive list. A list would become outdated as the year progressed, as participating organizations expended their funds. To find libraries and Friends organizations where funds are currently available, check Book Sales: Special Events and Book Sales: Ongoing.  We will do our best to update these listings as we become aware of changes throughout the year.

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Are BAZL grant funds available all year?
Each participating large library system and Friends organization is awarded funds annually. The timing of receipt of the funds may vary by organization, because applications are processed as received (from spring until the September 30 application deadline).

Because of the variable processing time, and because some organizations may be “shopped out” before others, locations with funds still available will vary throughout the year, and could change at any time. So it’s a good idea to check the website regularly, and to always contact an organization before visiting, to ensure that funds are still available. We will do our best to keep the website updated, so that only organizations with funds available are listed.

Also, check Hot Deals: Books Available Now anytime. The list is open for listing give-aways from any library, not just those that are part of the BAZL grant program.

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When my library or literacy group goes shopping, how many books can we take?
Each large library system or Friends organization (those serving populations of more than 100,000) was eligible to apply for up to $2,000 in grant funds for the 2006/2007 funding year. They may set limits on books as needed, depending on demand, so that the maximum number of libraries and literacy groups can benefit.

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What literacy groups are eligible for the grant?
For purposes of grant eligibility, a literacy group is defined as a public agency or non-profit organization that provides programming designed to promote and support literacy.

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My library has books to give away that we think another library may be able to use, but our library isn’t large enough to be eligible for the BAZL grant. Is there still a way that we can offer them to other libraries or literacy groups?
Any Arizona library can post books available for give-away on the Hot Deals: Books Available Now form. Post a single title or type of book, or provide a link to a list of books. Examples of books might be literature sets, or special reference books. Books should be in good condition.

Note on the form whether books are available for pick up only, or if they could be shipped. Any shipping arrangements or costs would be worked out between the 2 libraries involved in the transaction.

 
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Who is allowed to post information on the various lists on the BAZL site?
Permission to post information differs by the type of list:

Book Sales: Special Events form:
Participating grant-funded libraries and Friends organizations
Book Sales: Ongoing form
Participating grant-funded libraries and Friends organizations
Hot Deals: Books Available Now form
Any library or literacy group throughout Arizona
The Wish List: Online Request form
Any library or literacy group throughout Arizona

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If I join your email list, what information will I receive? Do I still need to check the website for updates?
An email will be sent out as each new program year begins, letting you know that new funds are available. There also may be other periodic email updates, letting you know of special opportunities. You’ll still need to check the website regularly to be aware of specific sales and books available.

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Why isn’t my library eligible to apply directly for the grant?
The goal of the Books for Arizona Libraries program is to provide Arizona’s rural public libraries, school libraries, tribal libraries, prison libraries and literacy groups with the opportunity to acquire quality, appropriate books from large library systems’ book sales. For 2006/2007, eligibility is limited to public libraries and Friends organizations serving populations of 100,000 or more.

At least for its initial implementation, including only the largest public library systems and Friends groups makes the program manageable to administer, and practical to access by smaller libraries and literacy groups. Smaller libraries can more easily justify their time and effort if they are able to choose from a wide selection of books, as a large library sale or warehouse can offer.

However, based on the interest that other libraries have indicated, and the intention on which the program was based -- to facilitate the placement of books to benefit libraries and literacy groups in need – the Hot Deals: Books Available Now list is open to any Arizona library, regardless of size, to list quality books for give-away to other libraries.

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Who should I contact if I have a suggestion, or if something on the site is incorrect or not working?
Please contact the BAZL Administrator at ldd@lib.az.us

If you haven’t found an answer to your question above, please contact the Books for Arizona Libraries Administrator at: ldd@lib.az.us.

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