Linwood Public Library, NJ

Donations are welcomed by the Linwood Free Public Library (hereinafter referred to as “Library”) in order to enhance our capacity to serve the city of Linwood and the surrounding area and fulfill our mission.

Donations of Books and Audio Visual Materials

In accepting gifts of materials, the library reserves the privilege of deciding whether items donated should be added to the collection. The Library accepts gift books with the understanding that books which are useful to the library collection will be retained. Many donations of like-new, gently used print and non-print materials and artworks received by the library are given to the Friends of the Linwood Library to help them raise funds for the benefit of the library. Donated materials will not be returned to the donor. Final decision on the acceptance of books, media and art objects rest with the Board of Library Trustees and/ or the Library Director.

All donated materials received at the Library become the absolute property of the Library with no right of ownership from any other entity. Upon request, the Library will provide the donor a statement indicating the number and type of items donated and the date they were received. Neither the Board nor the Director will assess or suggest a value for non-monetary gifts for income tax or other purposes. The letter of acknowledgment will not contain a statement of value for donated items. All donations to the library are tax deductible and provide tax benefits to the fullest extent of state and federal law.

Gift Book Program

The Library welcomes monetary contributions specifically for book and magazine purchases in memorial to or in honor of named individuals. In order that the Library can properly honor the generosity, a special form to record the information is utilized and should be completed. The Library can be contacted for a wish list of possible materials needed. These items may be marked with a special bookplate. Proper notification will be sent on receipt of the gifts in advance of the item being ordered. Accepted gifts will be honored in our gift remembrance book.

The library applies the same criteria for evaluating gift items as it applies to purchased material. Gifts will be withdrawn in the same manner as purchased material. The library does not accept responsibility for notifying donors of withdrawal or replacement of gift items. No gifts are accepted unless given to the library without restriction. All gifts may be utilized, sold or disposed of in the best interest of the library.

Donations-others, e.g. Monetary

The Library welcomes cash contributions, gifts of real property, stocks, and bonds. All donations are subject to the approval of the Library director with the backing of the Library Board of Trustees. All gifts should be given without restrictions unless discussed and approved by the Board of Trustees. Restricted monetary gifts will be accepted on the

condition that the specific use requested is consistent with the mission of the Library and approved by the Board of Trustees. The Library Director is delegated to accept gifts of money. Gifts of money may be given for the purchase of library materials, to support operation or programs, to enhance facilities, or to provide general support. The library reserves the right to decline a gift of money or property.

The decision to accept gifts of artwork, securities, equipment, bequests, furnishings, real or personal property will be based on the suitability to the library’s mission, decor, and availability of space for display. Such gifts are accepted only on the condition that they may be sold, kept, given away or discarded at the discretion of the Library Board and/or the Library Director. Gifts may also be given to the Friends of the Linwood Library which is a support group for the Library. The library will acknowledge receipt of donated items but is unable to set fair market appraisal values. It is the donor’s responsibility to establish fair market value of their donation.

Sponsorships

The Library and the Friends of the Library welcomes sponsorships of programs, projects and events from individuals and groups including but not limited to businesses and service organizations. The Board of Trustees or the Director must approve sponsorships in assessing the suitability of soliciting or accepting potential sponsors. Sponsors may receive public recognition.

Acknowledgement of Donations

Donations will be acknowledged with a thank you from the Library director, staff, and/or the friends of the library. A copy of the Library policy as pertains to the type of donation received will be included with the thank you. In the case of donations to the Friends of Library book sale letters will be available at the circulation desk for those who wish to pick one up during normal library business hours.

Library Board review of policy

This policy is periodically reviewed, revised, or reaffirmed by the Library Board of Trustees.