The Barry-Lawrence Regional Library welcomes gifts of new and used books, audio recordings, DVD’s, and similar materials. Items will be added to the collection in accordance with the selection policy of the library. Once donated, items become the property of the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library, and may be transferred to other libraries, sold, traded, or discarded if they are not added to the collection. The donor may place no conditions on the donation. Donated items will not be returned to the donor, and the library will not accept any item or monetary donation that is not an outright gift.

The Library will acknowledge receipt of donated items, but is unable to set fair-market or appraisal values. It is recommended that the donor make a list of items donated. If items are being donated to obtain a tax benefit, it is the donor’s responsibility to establish fair-market value or obtain expert assistance in establishing any value. Once a donated item has been added to the library collection, it is subject to all other library policies and may be discarded according to the policy on withdrawal and disposition of library materials.

Monetary gifts, bequests, and memorial or honorary contributions are particularly welcome. Funds donated will be used to purchase items in accordance with the selection policy of the library. Books and other materials purchased with bequests and memorial or honorary contributions will be identified with special donor plates whenever possible or as requested. If requested at the time the donation is made, notification of memorial or honorary contributions will be sent to the family of the person being recognized. Suggestions for subject areas or other areas of interest are welcome and will be followed to the extent that such items meet the library’s selection policy and collection needs.

Acceptance of donations of equipment, real estate, stock, artifacts, works of art, collections, etc. will be determined by the Library Board of Trustees. Acceptance will be based on their suitability to the purposes and needs of the library, laws and regulations that govern the ownership of the gift, and the library’s ability to cover insurance and maintenance costs associated with the donation.

Separate shelving of special gifts or collections will not be allowed due to space considerations. Any and all materials donated to a specific branch will be available to all branches in the system through intralibrary loan.

The Library will not accept, shelve, or store materials that are not designated as an outright gift.

See

6.4A Receipt of Charitable Donation