Gifts Policies

The library is grateful for gifts. Its collection has been enriched and enhanced by many generous donations of money, books, periodicals, and other materials.

Gifts to the library are tax deductible pursuant to Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Valuation of non-monetary gifts is the responsibility of the donor.

Although unrestricted gifts are preferred, cash donations to the library may be accompanied by a stipulation that the funds are for a specific purpose.

All such gifts will be subject to the library’s review to determine whether the stipulations are acceptable within the scope of the library’s mission and physical plant. The Glen Ellyn Public library Board of Trustees and library staff reserve the right to refuse any gift.

Other giving opportunities are available through the Friends of Glen Ellyn Public Library and the Glen Ellyn Library Foundation.

In accepting donations of materials, equipment, furniture, works of art, etc. the library reserves the right to determine whether the item(s) will be used by the library, sold to benefit the library, or otherwise disposed of.

The same criteria for inclusion of materials in the collection that are used for purchase decisions will be applied to gifts.

Gift materials will be integrated into the general collection. It is the policy of the library not to accept special collections of books or other materials to be kept together as a separate physical entity, nor can the library accept gifts with restrictions as to use, permanence and/or location.

The library retains unconditional ownership of all gifts.

The library does not accept materials on loan.

Donation Policy

The library is happy to accept monetary donations in memory or in honor of an individual or organization. Memorial/commemorative gift materials will be integrated into the general collection and acknowledged as appropriate.

The library does not have sufficient space or atmospheric or security controls to be considered a suitable place for any but a very few pieces of permanently displayed works of art or historic artifacts.

The library primarily confines itself to providing a location for temporary displays of local art from community residents.

As currently interpreted by the library, our current mission precludes us from devoting significant space to permanent displays of art or other objects. As a result, the library must be extremely selective in its choices.

In considering any potential donation, consideration will be given to

• Availability of space not required for other library mission-critical functions
• Degree to which the piece enhances current activities of the library
• Specific relevance to the community, and perceived community demand for display
  of the object
• Local connections to the artist and/or benefactor
• Professional quality of the item
• Suitability of the piece for display inside or outside the building
• Location of an appropriate spot for the placement of the piece
• Potential for problems regarding patron safety
• Vulnerability of the piece to theft or damage, and related additional insurance costs,
  if any

The library encourages all potential donors to discuss their interests with the library at an early stage to determine if some mutually satisfactory donation decision can be reached. The Board and staff will do their utmost to recommend potential donation projects that suit the desires of the donor and the long-term needs of the library.

The library will maintain a suitable location in the library displaying the names of donors contributing $1,000 or more.