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Saskatoon Symphony Book & Music Sale - Operation FAQs

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How should volunteers pack boxes of books?

Be kind to our books!

If books are damaged while in storage, their value decreases and less revenue will be generated for the sale. So it's important to pack books properly in their boxes. And it's just as easy to pack them properly as to pack them in a way that invites damage.

Books are packed and repacked during sorting, pricing, sale set up, sale take down and culling, so there are plenty of opportunities to damage our stock if we're not careful!

Please follow these tips for packing books properly in their boxes:

  • First, construct the box by folding the bottom and taping it along the center seam with two or three layers of packing tape. Do NOT interleave the flaps - the bottom of the box must be flat for easy handling.
  • An easy and efficient way to pack books is to sort them by size first. Simply sort them into stacks of small / medium / large sizes until you have a box full ready to pack. Randomly throwing books into a box means that some books will not be supported properly and that fewer books will be stored in each box.
  • Place the largest books flat at the bottom of the box, working from one corner out, and working up to smaller books on top.
  • Wherever possible, pack books flat on their front or back cover.
  • Do not pack books with their spine or fore-edge (the part opposite the spine) down, or their top or bottom edge down. These positions will damage the binding, especially when the books have to support the weight of boxes stacked on top.
  • Do not pack books at odd angles. Pack as many books as possible flat, and ensure any filler is flat or vertically oriented. (Unfortunately, to maximize the use of storage space, some filler books will have to be packed vertically. See the next tip to minimize any damage.)
  • Ensure the initial flat stack of books is higher than the filler around it, such that the main stack will take any weight from above.
  • The standard boxes used in the work room are sized such that each box can be lifted by a single person (of average strength with a healthy back). Do not use any other boxes. Having a single standard size of box is important for stable stacking of boxes in the work room.
  • For books that must be recycled (throw), use smaller nonstandard boxes. Do not use the standard storage boxes for throw, unless it is damaged (repair it with tape) or wearing out noticeably.
  • Do not tape the top of the box shut. Just interleave the top flaps. If you are unable to interleave the top flaps, use a small length of tape on the top seam, just enough to keep it closed during transport.

How should volunteers lift boxes?

Watch your back!

As well as not wanting to damage our stock, we also don't want to damage our volunteers! So it's vital that proper lifting techniques are used in order to keep our volunteers' backs healthy.

Please follow these tips for lifting boxes and large stacks of books:

  • Technique:
    • Prepare: Plan your route ahead of time, and ensure it is cleared of all obstacles or tripping hazards. Make sure there's enough room to lift safely and to deposit the box at its destination. Check for slippery or uneven surfaces along your route.
    • Position: Squarely face the box with your feet about shoulder width apart, with one foot slightly ahead of the other. Grip under the bottom corners of the box on each end.
    • Grasp: Squat down, bending at the hips and knees only. Don't bend your back to lift. Try to avoid bending your knees more than 90 degrees. Keep your heels off the floor when squatting down. Put one knee on the floor if necessary.
    • Lift: Look straight ahead and keep your back straight, your chest out and your shoulders back. Keep the box as close to your body as possible. Slowly lift the box by straightening your hips and knees. Keep your back straight and don't twist. Move smoothly and slowly.
    • Carry: Hold the box against your body at a comfortable height, with the bottom high enough to not impede walking. Use your feet to change direction, taking small steps. Keep your shoulders in line with your hips and your body centered over your feet at all times.
    • Deposit: Reverse the lifting technique. Squat down slowly, bending at the hips and knees only. Keep the box as close to your body as possible.
  • Principles:
    • Never lift a box above your shoulders or head.
    • Never twist your back when lifting or carrying a load (i.e., always keep your shoulders and hips aligned - pivot, don't twist).
    • Never bend your back while lifting or holding a load.
    • Never hold a load away from your body. Hug the load!
    • Always get help if a box is too heavy to move safely on your own.
    • Use a cart, dolly, or hand truck to move multiple boxes, or to move any box or boxes a long distance.
    • Make sure that partially filled boxes are at the top of stacks, not near the bottom where they may collapse and topple the pile.
    • Do not stack boxes more than 6 boxes high. Any higher, and the piles may become unstable, and lifting boxes too high risks injury.
    • Pace yourself and take breaks. And get help!
  • For illustrations of proper lifting techiques, see:

What are potential specialty and silent auction items?

What to look for

Volunteers should always be on the lookout for potentially valuable items when sorting and pricing. These books should be placed in the Specialty boxes for later evaluation.

Look for:

  • Books autographed by the author.
  • Older illustrated books with prints, plates, engravings, or other collectible content.
  • Newer illustrated books that look unusual. These may also be appropriate for the Coffee Table section.
  • Books by famous people and/or about well-known movies.
  • Books with leather or fine bindings.
  • Popular collections, such as the Oprah Book Club.
  • Tiny or oversize books.
  • Old readers and spellers.