[epiphyte]

Found out that it's been 12 years since any members of my society have requested access to our collection of AOS magazines. Is that typical for most societies? We store the boxed magazines in a locked cabinet in a different room than where we meet so maybe that has something to do with it?

Then I found out that neither of the two closest public libraries have any of the AOS magazines. If, 12 years ago, my society had donated our collection of orchid magazines to the nearest local public library...would more people have checked them out?

Should my society donate our AOS magazines to our local library? Currently, society members can only check out the magazines one day of the month, but if the magazines were located at the nearest public library then members would be able to check out the magazines whenever the library was open...thus greatly increasing accessibility.

Would having the magazines at the public library help generate any local interest in orchids that could lead to increased members for both my local orchid society and the AOS? Would it be worth it to purchase a $65/year AOS subscription for our nearest local public library? Is there is a discount available for public libraries?

Or should we just sell the orchid magazines on ebay and use the proceeds to purchase more popular orchid books?