Where do I sign in and get my t-shirt, name badge and training?

Volunteer Check-In Enter the building and go to the Volunteer Information Table in the southwest corner of the General Area. Line up according to your last name: (A-G, H-P, Q-Z) You’ll be checked off the list, receive your t-shirt, receive your name badge and written instructions. (If you are not on the list, please see Volunteer Coach at the Volunteer Table on the west side of the General Area) Find out meal times and go to your work area or the Booksale Kitchen. When you arrive in your work area (listed at the bottom of your name badge) find Quadrant Coach or Booksale Chair in that area for instructions.

Volunteer Training

Q: What if I can’t make it?

You can go here, log in , and cancel or reschedule your shift, or call 405-606-3763 and leave a message.

Thank you for volunteering for the Booksale!

It takes the efforts of you and over 1,000 other volunteers to help us hold one of the largest Booksales in the nation! Thank you for making it possible for the Friends to fulfill our mission of supporting the Metropolitan Library System. We want your volunteer experience to be a positive one, so we’ve included some helpful information below as well as some training information for you.

If you do have any questions or need further information, please contact us at 405-606-3763 or at friends@metrolibrary.org.

Volunteer Training Materials

Please review the instructions and videos below for your assigned position(s) to know what you will be doing:

Book Stockers - General Area

Book Stocker Goal: Make sure tables are full of the right categories of books ready for shoppers.

Keep the books organized on the tables.
Keep books stocked from the excess books under each table.
Facing the side of the table; books are positioned to be read from left to right down the table. All titles face the same direction for easy readability.
Keep the books organized under the table; spines facing up, following the title positioning above.
Put empty boxes against South Wall near the overhead doors.
When customers leave books along the walls; if you are sure the customer has indeed left, gather these and redirect to their proper category.
Please see your Quadrant Coach or volunteer supervisor for any special stocking requirements. (Mystery and Audio Visual especially)
Always remember to smile and say thank you to our customers!

Cashiers - Better Books Room

Cashier Goal: Quickly and accurately add and charge customers for their books.

You will be either a counter or cashier forming a team at each table. There should always be two volunteers at each table. Counters will separate the books and other non-print items and help figure the total amount of each purchase.

Cashiers will use the Clover (instructions below) and accept cash or check for the total amount. Cashiers will also be responsible for providing the customer with a receipt.

Books are individually priced.
Prices are marked on the inside cover; you may need to flip back a few pages at the front of the book to see the price.
If a price cannot be found, hold up the help sign and the supervisor of the area will find out the price.
Members of the Friends of the Library may present a membership card to receive a discount. This card is only valid one time on the Saturday of the sale and one time on the Sunday of the sale. The card gives the holder 10% off their purchase.
- To calculate the discount: Total Cost X .90 = New Total.
  - For example: Total Cost of $25 x .90 = $22.50 (the new total)
- If the final price is not a whole number and/or the ability to give precise coin change is a challenge, round the price DOWN to the nearest even amount so that the guest is able to complete their purchase and receive a discount so that the line keeps moving forward and the transaction is complete.
- Please use a sharpie to mark the appropriate box once the card is used.

Debit/Credit cards are accepted. There is also an ATM in the main lobby.

At each table there will be signs for notification

Use the Help Sign when:
- A customer needs help with a hand truck.
- You need change in your cashbox.
- You need a price check. If a price cannot be found, the supervisor of the area will find out the price.
- You have a customer who is tax exempt or who has a purchase order. (There will be someone there to figure out the tax that is to be subtracted from the total.)
Use the Table Number Sign when:
- The sales procedure is completed, hold up the table number sign so the next customer can be directed to your table.

Please see your volunteer supervisor for any special cashier requirements.

Please smile and say thank you to our customers!

Clover Instructions Click here to download

Push the button on the right side of the device to activate it.
Enter 3763.
At the bottom right corner of the screen, touch Sale.
Enter the total sale amount (e.g. $6.00)
Select CASH or CHARGE. The tax will automatically be calculated for you.

If CASH:

1. Enter the amount of cash received so that the change can be calculated. You will have a choice of most likely amounts that will be given to you (e.g. $6.52, $7.00, $10.00) or you can use a custom amount by touching Custom and entering the amount (e.g. $100.00).
2. Click CONTINUE (in green).
3. Payment complete (change due is shown here).
4. Ask the customer, “Would you like to round up to support the Friends of the Library?” If the customer does round up their purchase price/donate their change, just put the extra money in the cash box.
5. Click Print Receipt if customer would like receipt.

If CHARGE:

1. Ask the customer “Would you like to add a donation to the Friends of the Library?” Customers can then make a donation on the tip screen by selecting a pre-calculated percentage, a custom amount, or they can skip this option.
2. Insert or swipe the card at the bottom of the device.
3. Click Print Receipt if customer would like receipt.

Extra Tips:

To go back to the Main Screen, touch the circle in the middle of the bottom row of the screen.
To go back to the Sales Screen, touch the square in the right corner of the bottom screen.
If you mess up entering the sale amount numbers, you can touch the to delete the numbers. You can also select “CLEAR ALL” when it is in the top right corner of the screen to start over.
If a credit card won’t run by inserting or swiping, a manual card entry can be done by touching the three vertical dots to the right of the CHARGE option.

Cashiers - General Area

Cashier Goal: Quickly and accurately add and charge customers for their books.

You will be part of a team including a counter and a cashier at one table. There should always be two volunteers at each table.

If the customer has not already added purchases on a tally sheet: Counters will separate the hardbacks, softbacks and other non-print items and count each category.

Cashiers will tally the purchase and accept cash or check for the amount, or call for a credit card volunteer by raising the credit card sign. Cashiers will also be responsible for providing the customer with a receipt.

Hardbacks are $2.00
Softbacks are $1.00
Other items are as listed on the cost sheet at each table.
- General Area Price List:
  - Hardcover Books – $2.00
  - Paperback Books – $1.00
  - Children’s Hardcover Books – $1.00
  - Children’s Paperback Books – $0.50
  - Audiobooks (CD or Playaway) – $4.00
  - CDs – $1.00
  - LP Vinyl – $0.50 or 3 for $1.00
  - DVDs – $2.00
  - Blu-Ray Disc – $3.00
  - DVD/Blu-Ray/CD Set – Price Marked
  - LP Box Set – Price Marked
  - Great Courses – Price Marked
  - Software/Games – Price Marked
  - Religion CD/DVD – Price Marked
  - Language Software – Price Marked
  - Magazines – $0.50 or 3 for $1.00
  - Cliff Notes – $1.00
  - Boxed Fiction, Teen, YA or Children’s – $10.00 per box
  - Boxed Paperback Romance – $15.00 per box
  - Chronicles of Oklahoma Box – $40.00/per box
  - Used binders and magazine holders – $0.50 or Price Marked
  - For sales of large quantities/pallet opportunities please see Don Dobry, Kathy Conrad or George Wilson.
Members of the Friends of the Library may present a membership card to receive a discount. This card is only valid one time on the Saturday of the sale and one time on the Sunday of the sale. The card gives the holder 10% off their purchase.
- To calculate the discount: Total Cost X .90 = New Total.
  - For example: Total Cost of $25 x .90 = $22.50 (the new total)
- If the final price is not a whole number and/or the ability to give precise coin change is a challenge, round the price DOWN to the nearest even amount so that the guest is able to complete their purchase and receive a discount so that the line keeps moving forward and the transaction is complete.
- Please use a sharpie to mark the appropriate box once the card is used.

Debit/Credit cards are accepted. There is also an ATM in the main lobby.

At each table there will be signs for notification

Use the Help Sign when:
- A customer needs help with a hand truck.
- You need change in your cashbox.
- You have a customer who is tax exempt or who has a purchase order. (There will be someone there to figure out the tax that is to be subtracted from the total.)
Use the Table Number Sign when:
- The sales procedure is completed, hold up the table number sign so the next customer can be directed to your table.

Please see your volunteer supervisor for any special cashier requirements.

Please smile and say thank you to our customers!

Clover Instructions
Click here to download

Push the button on the right side of the device to activate it.
Enter 3763.
At the bottom right corner of the screen, touch Sale.
Enter the total sale amount (e.g. $6.00)
Select CASH or CHARGE. The tax will automatically be calculated for you.

If CASH:

1. Enter the amount of cash received so that the change can be calculated. You will have a choice of most likely amounts that will be given to you (e.g. $6.52, $7.00, $10.00) or you can use a custom amount by touching Custom and entering the amount (e.g. $100.00).
2. Click CONTINUE (in green).
3. Payment complete (change due is shown here).
4. Ask the customer, “Would you like to round up to support the Friends of the Library?” If the customer does round up their purchase price/donate their change, just put the extra money in the cash box.
5. Click Print Receipt if customer would like receipt.

If CHARGE:

1. Ask the customer “Would you like to add a donation to the Friends of the Library?” Customers can then make a donation on the tip screen by selecting a pre-calculated percentage, a custom amount, or they can skip this option.
2. Insert or swipe the card at the bottom of the device.
3. Click Print Receipt if customer would like receipt.

Extra Tips:

To go back to the Main Screen, touch the circle in the middle of the bottom row of the screen.
To go back to the Sales Screen, touch the square in the right corner of the bottom screen.
If you mess up entering the sale amount numbers, you can touch the to delete the numbers. You can also select “CLEAR ALL” when it is in the top right corner of the screen to start over.
If a credit card won’t run by inserting or swiping, a manual card entry can be done by touching the three vertical dots to the right of the CHARGE option.

Customer and Volunteer Services

Goal: Assist customers by being a door greater, door or line monitor, and performing various other tasks. Assist volunteers by helping to check them in, providing breaks for fellow volunteers and serving refreshments as needed.

Customer Service Table:

Check hand trucks in and out to customers using a driver’s license as collateral.
Answer customer questions if possible (“Where are the restrooms?”, etc.)
Refer any issues or questions to your Supervisor or a Booksale Chair if needed (colored logo shirt).

Line Monitor:

Help maintain order and provide direction to customers waiting to check out.
When line gets long, hold up an END OF LINE sign so customers can easily find it.
Be positive and cheerful.
Point out the Express Line to customers who have just a few books. Be aware, the choice to remain in the regular line is the customer’s as the length of express line is sometimes longer than the regular line.

Door Greeter and Guest Monitor:

Ensure that doors to which you are assigned are accessed properly, and only by individuals authorized to do so.
On Friday, guest MUST have a ticket to enter. Please take their ticket, put in the ticket box, and stamp the guest’s hand. No tickets are required on Saturday or Sunday.
- The only exception for not having a ticket on Friday is if the individual is a child aged 11 and under. They will still need to have their hand stamped.
Use your electronic counter or a tally sheet to monitor the number of people coming in and out of the room.
Customers may only enter and exit the sale through the lobby.
Please be prepared to answer questions as best you can regarding locations of restrooms and materials in the building.
Direct any customers with questions you do not know the answers to a Quadrant Coach, Booksale Chair or Coordinator.
Please do not leave your door unattended at any time!
Be confident and kind in letting guests know when we have reached a room capacity and they must wait for admission.

Volunteer Hospitality:

Make all Booksale Volunteers feel welcomed and valued because Booksale wouldn’t happen without ALL of you!

Volunteer Check-in – three lines by last name:
- Check off the list and give name badge, wrist band for food and t-shirts, if needed.
If available, a person at the door to the kitchen thanking volunteers and directing them to snacks and drinks.
Direct volunteers to their area of service (on the bottom of their volunteer name badge) and help them find a person wearing a colored vest in that area for instructions.

Familiarize yourself with ALL the volunteer job descriptions as well, so you can answer questions volunteers may have about their area. For any questions you can’t answer, direct the volunteers to the Volunteer Table.

After all volunteers are checked in, go to the Booksale Kitchen to help with meal prep, or take water and snacks to all volunteer areas. During the sale, be sure to visit all the door guards, volunteers in the lobby holding area, and Better books volunteers in addition to the General Area volunteers.

Hand Truck Operator

Hand Truck Goal: Help with the flow in the cashier area and assist customers with their purchases.

Assist customers with large number of books by taking them outside on a hand truck.
Go to curb in front of the OK Expo Building and wait while the customer gets their car and drives up to the front and retrieves the books.
Please do not go further than the curb in front of the OK Expo Building.
Do not request or accept tips from customers or fellow volunteers.

Holding Area

Goal: Help customers continue to shop by holding purchases until shopping is completed.

Customers bring filled containers of books to be held until they are ready to check out.
Give the customer a numbered tag in return for each container.
Place items in numbered slots corresponding to the tags given to the customer.
When customer is ready to check out, tag is surrendered by the customer and containers of books are then returned to customer.
Further instructions will be given on site.

Move In

Goal: Bring all books, shelving and equipment into the Oklahoma Expo Building as quickly and safely as possible.

After pallets of books are unloaded from the trucks, unpack the pallets.
Take boxes of books to the appropriate sections of the building, and begin putting them on tables.
Further instructions will be given on site.

Move Out

Goal: Remove all books, shelving and equipment from the Oklahoma Expo Building as quickly as possible.

As directed, gather up all remaining books and either place in boxes or gaylords.
Help disassemble shelving and equipment and load onto trucks to be returned to the Friends storage space or sorting site.
If you have work gloves please bring them!

Set Up

Goal: Make sure tables are full of the right categories of books ready for shoppers.

See a person wearing a colored vest for any special set up requirements.

Organize books on the tables.
Place excess books under each table in the appropriate categories, spines facing up, following the title positioning below.
Facing the side of the table; books are positioned to be read from left to right down the table. All titles face the same direction for easy readability.
Put empty boxes against South Wall near the overhead doors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get to the Fairgrounds?

Address – OKC Fairgrounds, Oklahoma Expo Hall, 3213 Wichita Walk, Oklahoma City

Where do I park?

Parking is free, but come early to get a close spot! There is parking close to Gate 10 (closed for driving but you can walk through) directly North of the Oklahoma Expo Building.

Where do I enter the Oklahoma Expo Building?

The Volunteer entrance is on the north side of the building. See the map below.

Volunteer Check-In

Enter the building and go to the Volunteer Information Table in the southwest corner of the General Area.
Line up according to your last name: (A-G, H-P, Q-Z)
You’ll be checked off the list, receive your t-shirt, receive your name badge and written instructions. (If you are not on the list, please see Volunteer Coach at the Volunteer Table on the west side of the General Area)
Find out meal times and go to your work area or the Booksale Kitchen.
When you arrive in your work area (listed at the bottom of your name badge) find Quadrant Coach or Booksale Chair in that area for instructions.

What do I wear?

When volunteering, please wear your complimentary Booksale t-shirt paired with very comfortable shoes and casual clothing that can be washed—books are dusty!

Pick up your shirt on the volunteer limited shopping night Thursday, February 22 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. or at the start of your volunteer shift.

What should I bring to volunteer?

As little as possible! There is not storage for personal items of any kind, so please make plans to wear/carry anything you bring with you, including your coat, purse, backpack, etc. or leave them at home!

Where are the restrooms?

Restrooms are located in the South end of the front lobby as well as in the back of the general area through the double glass doors. Please ask your volunteer supervisor for a break if you need one at any time.

Is there any food?

Yes, there will be water and snacks for all volunteers.

What if I can’t make it?

You can go here, log in, and cancel or reschedule your shift, or call 405-606-3763 and leave a message.

Who can help me if I have a problem or question before I get to the sale?

You may call the Friends at 405-606-3763 or email friendsvol@metrolibrary.org.

What if there is an emergency during the sale?

In case of evacuation overhead doors on both sides of the building will open. Direct people to those doors and exit the building yourself.

Where do I check in for my shift?

You’ll check in at the volunteer table in the lobby. Please see the Friends’ Booksale – Oklahoma Expo Building Layout.

When can I shop?

Volunteers (no substitutes please!) may shop on Thursday evening, February 22, from 5:30—7:30 pm at the Oklahoma Expo Building. You will enter through the lobby entrance; check-in to receive two tickets, one for Better Books and one for the General Area. You will be able to check out and pay only one time on each side.

NOTE: If you plan to shop in both the General and Better Books Areas and plan to pay with a check or purchase order, you must bring two separate types of payments, one to be used in each area. You will not be able to use one check to pay for books being purchased from the two areas. We accept cash, checks and debit/credit cards.

Debit/credit card may be used to make purchases.

In the interest of time and fairness to all, please don’t browse or shop during your volunteer shift(s), or while wearing a name badge, apron, or volunteer t-shirt, or during set-up. Please do not bring children or guests unless they are also independently signed up and registered to volunteer as well.

When is Volunteer Shopping and how many books can I buy?

Thursday, February 22, 2024 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm

There will not be limits on Volunteer Night this year, except for the 2-hour time limitation.

Holding Area:

The Holding Area will NOT be staffed Thursday night. Books placed in the Holding Area is done at the shopper’s own risk. Shoppers will be responsible for their own purchases.

Can I shop after the sale?

This year, the Sunday shopping will be limited to schools, teachers, and non-profit organizations. Representatives must register in advance by completing this form and show a confirmation for entry.

We are excited to host the inaugural Fall Better Book Sale in October at the OSU-OKC Community Impact Center (930 N. Portland • Oklahoma City, OK 73107)! Thank you for making it possible for the Friends to fulfill our mission of supporting the Metropolitan Library System. We want your volunteer experience to be a positive one, so we’ve included some helpful information below as well as some training information for you.

If you do have any questions or need further information, please contact us at 405-606-3763 or at friends@metrolibrary.org.

Book Stockers

Book Stocker Goal: Make sure tables are full of the right categories of books ready for shoppers.

Keep the books organized on the tables.
Keep books stocked from the excess books under each table.
Facing the side of the table; books are positioned to be read from left to right down the table. All titles face the same direction for easy readability.
Keep the books organized under the table; spines facing up, following the title positioning above.
Put empty boxes in the Conference Room.
When customers leave books along the walls; if you are sure the customer has indeed left, gather these and redirect to their proper category.
Please see your Vested Leader or volunteer supervisor for any special stocking requirements. (Mystery and Audio Visual especially)
Always remember to smile and say thank you to our customers!

Cashiers

Cashier Goal: Quickly and accurately add and charge customers for their books.

Cashiers will tally the purchase using an adding machine and accept cash or check for the total amount, or call for a credit card volunteer by raising the Credit Card sign. Cashiers will also be responsible for providing the customer with a receipt.

Books are individually priced.
Prices are marked on the inside cover; you may need to flip back a few pages at the front of the book to see the price.
If a price cannot be found, hold up the help sign and the supervisor of the area will find out the price

Debit/Credit cards are accepted.

At each table there will be signs for notification

Use the Help Sign when:
- A customer needs help with a hand truck.
- You need change in your cashbox.
- You need a price check. If a price cannot be found, the supervisor of the area will find out the price.
- You have a customer who is tax exempt or who has a purchase order. (There will be someone there to figure out the tax that is to be subtracted from the total.)
Use the Table Number Sign when:
- The sales procedure is completed, hold up the table number sign so the next customer can be directed to your table.
Use the Credit Card Sign when:
- When a customer has a credit/debit card purchase.

Please see your volunteer supervisor for any special cashier requirements.

Please smile and say thank you to our customers!

Customer Service

Goal: Enhance the shopping experience by helping customers with hand trucks, information and help.

Customer Service Table

Check hand trucks in and out to customers using a driver’s license as collateral.
Answer customer questions if possible (“Where are the restrooms?”, etc.)
Refer any issues or questions to your Supervisor or a Booksale Chair if needed (colored logo shirt).

Line Monitor

Help maintain order and provide direction to customers waiting to check out.
When line gets long, hold up an END OF LINE sign so customers can easily find it.
Be positive and cheerful.

Door Greeter and Guest Monitor

Ensure that doors to which you are assigned are accessed properly, and only by individuals authorized to do so.
On Thursday, guest MUST have a ticket to enter. Please take their ticket, put in the ticket box, and stamp the guest’s hand. No tickets are required on Friday or Saturday.
- The only exception for not having a ticket on Thursday is if the individual is a child aged 11 and under. They will still need to have their hand stamped.
Use your electronic counter or a tally sheet to monitor the number of people coming in and out of the room.
Customers may only enter and exit the sale through the lobby.
Please be prepared to answer questions as best you can regarding locations of restrooms and materials in the building.
Direct any customers with questions you do not know the answers to a Vested Leader, Booksale Chair or Coordinator.
Please do not leave your door unattended at any time!
Be confident and kind in letting guests know when we have reached a room capacity and they must wait for admission.

Hand Truck Operator

Hand Truck Goal: Help with the flow in the cashier area and assist customers with their purchases.

Assist customers with large number of books by taking them outside on a hand truck.
Go to curb in front of the OSU-OKC Community Impact Center and wait while the customer gets their car and drives up to the front and retrieves the books.
Please do not go further than the North side of the OSU-OKC Community Impact Center to load cars. (Do not go to the parking lot or parking garage.)

Set Up

Goal: Make sure tables are full of the right categories of books ready for shoppers.

Please see your Volunteer Supervisor for any special set up requirements.

Organize books on the tables.
Place excess books under each table in the appropriate categories, spines facing up, following the title positioning below.
Facing the side of the table; books are positioned to be read from left to right down the table. All titles face the same direction for easy readability.
Put empty boxes in the Conference Room and DO NOT flatten or break down boxes.

Volunteer Support - Hospitality

Hospitality Goal: Make all Booksale Volunteers feel welcomed and valued – because Booksale wouldn’t happen without ALL of you!

One person at the end of the sign-in lines thanking volunteers and helping them get in three lines by last name (A-G, H-P, Q-Z).
Two people at each check in station – one with the list and name badges, and one standing behind to retrieve the t-shirts, and all thanking the volunteers.
If available, a person at the doors of the kitchen thanking volunteers and directing them snacks and drinks.
Others will provide instruction sheets and direct volunteers to their area of service (on the bottom of volunteer name badge) and help them find the Vested Leader in that area for instructions.

Familiarize yourself with ALL the volunteer job descriptions as well so you can answer questions volunteers may have about their area. For any questions you can’t answer, please direct the volunteers to the Volunteer Table.

The process for volunteers will be as follows:

Volunteer enters building and is directed to the Volunteer Check In Table in the lobby.
Volunteer lines up according to last name: (A-G, H-P, Q-Z)
Volunteer is checked off the list, receives t-shirt, receives name badge and small instructions. (If volunteer is not on the list, please have him/her see the Volunteer Coach at the Volunteer Table to the west side of the General Area)
Volunteer is told meal times and sent to work area or Booksale Kitchen.
If Volunteer is directed to Booksale Kitchen, after receiving his/her meal he/she will be directed to his/her work area (on the bottom of the name badge) and told to find the Vested Leader or Booksale Chair in that area for instructions.

After all volunteers are checked in, most Hospitality Volunteers will go to the Booksale Kitchen to help with meal prep, or take water, and snacks to all volunteer areas. During the sale, please be sure to visit all the door guards, volunteers in the lobby holding area, and Better Books volunteers in addition to the General Area volunteers.

Also – remember to say a special thanks to any volunteer in a colored logo shirt – these volunteers work tirelessly all year to make Booksale happen!

What do I wear?

When volunteering, please wear your complimentary Booksale t-shirt paired with very comfortable shoes and casual clothing that can be washed—books are dusty!

What should I bring to volunteer?

Is there any food?

Yes, there will be water and snacks for all volunteers.

What if I can’t make it?

You can go here, log in, and cancel or reschedule your shift, or call 405-606-3763 and leave a message.

Who can help me if I have a problem or question before I get to the sale?

You may call the Friends at 405-606-3763 or email friendsvol@metrolibrary.org.

When is volunteer shopping for the Fall Better Books Sale?

Volunteers get to shop before the sale is open to the public on October 5 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.