Donations Policy

Gift Items

The library gladly accepts the donation of books and other items with the understanding that the library may do with them as it sees fit.  Gifts donated with special conditions or restrictions are generally not accepted.  No gift materials may be added to the collection without approval of the Library Director.

Gift materials will be added to the collection if they are needed and if they meet the selection standards that are applied to all materials added to the collection.  Gifts accepted for the collection become the property of the Ericson Public Library.  Gifts not added to the collection will be disposed of in a way that will be most advantageous to the library.

Upon receipt of gift materials a receipt is given to the donor acknowledging the gift items.  Due to the Internal Revenue Service regulations, the library is prohibited from providing an estimate of monetary value of the donation.  Staff members may give the donor a receipt showing the number and type of items (such as “17 hardcover books”). The library reserves the right to decide when a gift added to the collection must be withdrawn.

Memorials

The library actively encourages donations as memorials and as tributes to living individuals on special occasions.  Such acts provide the library with an opportunity to add materials or equipment which it might not otherwise be able to afford.  Memorials and tributes are accepted in the form of monetary donations. The library will make every effort to honor the donor’s wishes regarding the selection to be purchased.  However, the final decision rests with the library in accordance with its needs and selection criteria.  A bookplate will be placed in the item purchased with the memorial and tribute gift funds.  The library will send letters to notify parties of the gift.  In those instances where an individual wishes to donate a memorial book from his personal library, the decision to accept the gift will be made by the Library Director.  If it is not accepted, the book will be returned to the donor.

Acceptance of gifts

Acceptance of any gift, including cash, securities, real or personal  property, will be determined by the Library Board 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 meet the requirements, if any, associated with the donation. The Library Board reserves the right to refuse or reject any gift.

Adopted May 15, 2000
Revised and approved September 19, 2011, September 15, 2014