Donations of Books and Other Materials

The purpose of this policy is to clarify the library’s process for evaluating and accepting donations and gifts.

The library assumes no responsibility to accept gifts; any gift it accepts is with the understanding that the library will be the sole determinant of its use.  New and used books donated to the library by individuals or groups will be accepted into the collection under the same criteria as provided elsewhere in this policy.  Those items not suitable for the collection will be given to the Friends of the Library to sell, or when necessary, discarded.  

The library will NOT accept books in poor condition, including those with mildew, water or smoke damage, insect infestation, defaced or ripped pages or covers, embedded dust and dirt, or other obvious damage.  We will also not accept out of date textbooks. 

Donors should ask prior approval before bringing in more than four boxes of books.  The library will issue a receipt if requested, but the donor is responsible for estimating the value of the donated materials for tax purposes. 

The library will accept funds to purchase books in honor of an occasion (birth of a child, significant birthday or anniversary) or in memory of a deceased family member.  Those who wish to give such a gift should contact the Library Director, who may consult with one of the other librarians.  The librarians will select (a) title(s) based on recommendations by the donor, keeping in mind the library’s selection policy.  Donors should understand that the book may not remain in the library’s collection permanently.  Donated books that wear out, are lost, or become out of date, will be removed from the library collection. 

Other donated media such as music CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, computer games, and the like will be accepted under similar conditions.  Those that cannot be used by the library will either be donated to the Friends of the Library for resale or discarded. 

Any other physical gifts to the library must be approved by the Library Director.  Furnishings, equipment, plants, art or other decorative items may not be needed.