Local post office ordered to halt book-donation program (HamptonRoads.com/Pilot Online)

Local post office ordered to halt book-donation program (HamptonRoads.com/Pilot Online): "Local post office ordered to halt book-donation program

By DEBBIE MESSINA, The Virginian-Pilot
� February 3, 2005 | Last updated 1:27 AM Feb. 3

After learning of the local post office�s initiative to donate undeliverable books to libraries and other organizations, the U.S. Postal Service on Wednesday sent a nationwide directive ending such programs.
A postal spokesman in Baltimore said the Hampton Roads regional office isinterpreted the rules on disposing of undeliverable books. Undeliverable mail has incorrect addresses or has been refused by someone at the address. Periodicals, publications, merchandise and product samples may be donated, said spokesman Bob Novak. But books and music recordings must be mailed to one of three sites across the United States to be auctioned , he said.