Gift and Donation Policy

The North Liberty Community Library acknowledges the fact that gifts have been vital to the establishment and growth of the Library.  We appreciate and encourage gifts beneficial to the Library.

The North Liberty Community Library welcomes donations including books, magazines, cake pans and audiovisual materials as well as monetary gifts.  Gifts of cash are most particularly welcome since they can most easily and quickly be used to implement the Library’s programs.  The Library accepts gifts of cash designated for a specific purpose but can most effectively use money when it is free to allocate funds to those programs currently in greatest need. Distribution of the monetary donations not allocated at time of donation will be decided upon by the Administration and reported to the Library Board of Trustees on an annual basis.  Gifts are tax deductible; however, the Library will not set fair market or appraisal values.  We will acknowledge receipt of donated items (see receipt).

The Library retains unconditional ownership of an accepted gift.  A gift may be given to other libraries and non-profit agencies, sold, traded, or discarded if it is not added to the collection.  Any gift considered by the Library for inclusion into the Library’s collection must meet the same selection criteria as purchased materials.  The Library also reserves the right to decline gifts and decide when a gift added to the collection will be withdrawn.
The Library does ask that donations meet certain requirements.

1. The Library is happy to accept materials, as long as they are NOT:
   • Moldy, musty or water damaged
   • Dirty (greasy, food stained, insect infested, etc.)
   • Marked by pens, pencils, crayons or highlighters
   • Physically damaged (i.e. have broken bindings, loose or torn pages, or damaged covers, damaged cases)
   • Textbooks
   • Condensed Books (for example, Readers Digest Condensed Books)
   • Nonfiction titles over five years old
   • Materials weeded from other libraries
2. Donations of magazines will be accepted in the form of a subscription to a magazine to be paid for by the donor.  The Donor may choose the title of the magazine or leave the choice to Library Administration.  Single issues or back donated issues will be put in the magazine give-away bin.  These will not be added to the collection.
3. The Library accepts audiovisual materials as long as they are in good condition and not outdated. The library does not accept video or audio tapes.
4. The Library also accepts donations of cake pans of unusual or unique design.
5. 5. The Library will accept flat panel monitors, e-readers, tablets or external hardware (external hard drives, DVD/CD ROM). All should be in working order.

• Written: March 2003
• Reviewed and Revised: May 2012