The Allerton Public Library District 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. 

Donation of Library Materials In accepting a gift of library materials, the following guidelines will be followed:

•  Speak to library staff about what you want to donate.
• Items must have been stored in a mold/mildew free environment. Mold/mildew are dangerous for a library and its patrons.
•  Items must be in excellent condition. This means they are not discolored, dirty, stained, or falling apart.
• Items are current (within 2-5 years of publication date). Older items are generally not added to the library shelves. Items not added will be sold at the book sale or donated.
• No sets of encyclopedias.
• No dictionaries.
• No Reader’s Digest condensed books.
• No text books.
• No Bibles.
• No VHS/CASSETTES/Audiobooks/CDs.
• No dropping books off outside the library door or the drop box. 

The library reserves the right to decide whether the items donated should be added to the collection. Some cannot due to the following reasons: (1) a duplicate of an item of which the library already owns; (2) outdated material-item does not have sufficient present reference or circulating value; and/or (3) in poor condition—which would not justify the expense of processing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 Allerton Public Library District accepts gift materials with the understanding that materials which are useful to the library collection will be retained and other materials disposed of in whatever manner the library deems best. The library 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 and Memorial Program

The library welcomes monetary contributions 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 used and should be completed. The library may place within the item a name of the donor, if desired. 

Donation of Art Objects and Other Types of Materials

Although such gifts are usually welcomed and valued, final decision on their acceptance rests with the Library Director and the Library Board of Trustees.

Other Donations

The library welcomes cash contributions, gifts of real property, stocks, and bonds. It is our custom to expend cash gifts on materials, equipment, or a project which is acceptable to the donor. Although it is unlikely, there may be an occasion in which the restrictions set by the donor make it impossible for the library to accept the contribution. All donations are subject to approval by the Library Director and the Library Board of Trustees. 

Income Tax Statements

The library cannot appraise a 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 government unit might quality as tax deductible, the donor will have to contact their tax professional for guidance. 

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 Director and Board of Library Trustees, they are in the best interests of the library.  

Collection Policy revised April 6, 2022, December 7, 2022, May 8, 2024 

For more information please read the Allerton Public Library District Policy Manual.