How to Troubleshoot Missing Books
Books can arrive anytime during the month, even up to the last day of the month. If a child misses a book, there are several steps to follow to track down the possible reasons.
- Check the LIST OF BOOKS MAILED in the BOS to see if the book for that child's age group has been delayed in its delivery and is, therefore, not really missing but simply late.
- Check to see that the information in the database is 100% accurate and complete.
- Check the child's registration date in the database. Our book orders are placed one month in advance. For instance, if today is October 1st, we will order books for delivery in November. Hence, if a child is registered in September, we should have their books ready for delivery.
- Check the child's birth date to ensure they have not graduated from the program (age 5).
- Please remember that the USPS may be facing staffing issues and delays may be more frequent during months with federal holidays or weather related delays. Our books are sent out as third-class bulk mail, so they may take a little longer since first and second-class mail get priority.
If we’ve looked into all these options and still can't locate the book, it may be lost in the mail.
Since our books are mailed using bulk mail delivery, return service is not included. Some local programs may receive books back from USPS that can be used as replacement copies but not all programs receive returned books and may not have extra copies. If available,, a Local Program Partner may offer to replace a missing book, however it is not required. If possible, this approach is usually well-received by the family and helps to build trust.
If the family continues to have delivery issues, they should reach out to their local USPS office for assistance.