The problem is not a new phenomenon, although the reasons for the delays in collection may vary - perhaps the pupils have forgotten, or perhaps they have been told the books are not needed for the curriculum after all.
Since the “mybooks.lu” app was introduced, which allows pupils and parents to coordinate their textbook orders with bookshops, there has been less wastage in terms of leftover books, as shops no longer need to over-order. Of the 258,000 free textbooks ordered over the past three years, only 10,000 have been left uncollected in stores - around 4%.
According to bookseller Paul Ernster, the majority of leftover books arrived late. They experienced delays above all with English orders, which have had longer lead-times in the past, although Brexit has greatly exacerbated the delays in shipping. Although the number of textbooks left on store shelves did not bother the shops too much, they would still appreciate it if the books could soon find their way to their owners.
The Ministry of Education will be drafted in to help send the forgotten textbooks to schools, where they will be distributed to pupils.
Video report in Luxembourgish.
