If at first you don't get it right, revise.
And that's just what the American Irish Historical Society did in recent days after a notice of a book sale raised alarm.
The notice to AIHS members asked readers to attend a Back to School book sale.
It stated: "Fall is right around the corner and for many of our younger friends in the neighborhood, that means going back to the classroom. But you don’t have to be in school to hit the books! Anyone of any age is welcome to stop by AIHS on September 1st for our book sale fundraiser.
"We will have books for sale from our archives, new and old. Drop by and leave with a new literary friend. This event will raise funds for the continued care of our archives. You can also learn more about our 'Adopt an Artifact' program, where you can sponsor the preservation of archival materials and get your name on a bookplate.
"We are also accepting book donations! If you would like to donate, please fill out this form or come by the society between 12pm and 4pm on the day of the book sale. We hope to see you there!"
The notice was signed by the "AIHS Team."
But there was a problem. The notice's reference to "books for sale from our archives" reportedly set off alarm bells.
And so, an "AIHS Book Sale UPDATE" notice that began with "Dear AIHS friends."
Notice number two stated: "We are writing to apologize for any misunderstandings regarding yesterday's email for our upcoming book sale. This book sale is a donation-based fundraiser focused on selling second-hand materials, not taken from our archives.
"The books and CD's sold at this event will be inexpensive and geared towards families and students. The funds raised from this event will go towards the preservation of our more delicate archival materials.
"To donate, please bring materials ahead of the event, in order for us to price them accurately and prepare them to be sold. We greatly appreciate your help with this event and your dedication and care to our archives."
As with the first notice, the second notice was signed by "The AIHS team." The second notice moved the sale date from Monday, September 1 to Thursday, September 4.
Uncertainty and concern has swirled around the AIHS in recent times with regard to the society's archives and artifacts housed at the society's headquarters at 991 Fifth Avenue. The possibility of archive material being stored elsewhere has come into focus, though this has not, to date, transpired.
