Gifts to the Library Policy
General
The Tinley Park Public Library is grateful for gifts, and its collection has been enriched by donations of materials as well as contributions. Through donors, the library has been able to acquire materials which could not have been purchased otherwise. The library staff can supply, upon request, a list of needed materials for consideration by the donor.
Donation of Books and Audio Visual Materials
In accepting a gift of materials, the library reserves the privilege of deciding whether items donated should be added to the collection. Out of the many books and other materials which citizens so generously give, a considerable proportion can be used. Some cannot, because any library material, though of value in itself, may be:
- a duplicate of an item of which the library already has a sufficient number;
- outdated–interesting but not of sufficient present reference or circulating value to the library; and/or
- (3) in poor condition–which would not justify the expense of processing it, i.e. cataloging and preparing it for circulation.
The material will be judged by the same standards of selection as those applied to the purchase of new materials. The Tinley Park Public Library accepts gift books with the understanding that books which are useful to the library collection will be retained and other books disposed of in whatever manner the library deems best. The Library necessarily reserves the right to interfile gifts with other collections on the same subject, so that all collections are organized and classified according to library standards for the best public service.
Gift Book Program
The Library welcomes monetary contributions specifically for book purchases in memorial to or in honor of named individuals. In order that the Library can properly honor the generosity, a specific form to record the information is used and should be completed.
Donation of Art Objects and Other Types of Materials
Art objects, portraits, antiques and other collectibles, if accepted, 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 Administrator. The placement of such objects within or outside the Library will be at the discretion of the Library Administrator with the backing of the Library Board of Trustees. Although such gifts are usually welcomed and valued, final decision on their acceptance rests with the Library Administrator and the Board of Library Trustees.
Donations—Others, e.g. Monetary
The Library welcomes monetary contributions, bequests or memorials on the condition that the specific use requested is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Library. All donations are subject to the approval of the Library Administrator with the backing of the Library Board of Library Trustees.
Recognition of Gifts
For memorial books to the library, the library may place within the book the name of the donor, if desired.
Use of Gifts
All gifts are accepted with the understanding that it may someday be necessary that they be sold or disposed of in the best interest of the library. The Library cannot commit itself to perpetually housing a donation.
Income Tax Statements
The library cannot appraise the value of a donation of materials or art. It will, however, issue the donor a letter acknowledging the donation. It is the donor’s decision whether he or she will determine the value of the donation or utilize an independent appraiser. While the gifts to the Library as a governmental unit qualify as tax deductible, the donor will have to consider the particular circumstances of his or her situation for the specific effect.
Restriction
No donation can be accepted unless it is given to the library without restrictions unless the Board of Library Trustees has specifically adopted an agreement to do so. All gifts may be used, sold, or disposed of in the best interest of the library. All donations are accepted only if, in the opinion of the Library Administrator and the Board of Library Trustees, they are in the best interests of the library.
Forms
A Gift Agreement Form must be signed by the donor and approved by the Library Administrator for unrestricted gifts and the Board of Library Trustees for restricted gifts.
Monetary Donation Form and Donor Wall Application
Gift Book Form
Approved 2/23/1983
Revised 5/23/2007