Policy Statement

The Gifts, Sponsorships and Grants policy ensures that the Metropolitan Library System (Library) encourages, accepts and uses gifts, sponsorships and grants that are consistent with the library system’s mission, values and policies.

Donations can be made to the Library Endowment Trust (Trust) or the Friends of the Metropolitan Library System (Friends) which exist to handle monetary gifts, gifts of materials and enduring gifts which support the library’s vital role in the community.

Donations are not intended to replace regularly budgeted library expenditures; however, private resources can extend and enrich library services.

Information about how to support these organizations and our libraries is maintained at www.supportmls.org.

Acceptance of Gifts

1. Donations of new and used materials typically found in library collections (books, magazines, audiovisuals) are accepted at library locations for the Friends. These items are typically sold for benefit of the Library. Individuals wishing to donate new items with the intention of adding to the library collection are requested to contact Collection Development.
2. Monetary gifts to benefit the library are gratefully accepted by the Trust. Unrestricted gifts provide for growth of the endowment. Restricted gifts can be made to benefit any library location, library programming, the library’s collection or special collections.
3. Memberships and sponsorships to the Friends or Trust are encouraged as net proceeds are granted to the Library annually.
4. In kind donations of memorabilia, photographs and ephemera relevant to local history are welcomed for consideration by the library’s Special Collections Department.
5. Other gifts in kind (furnishings, equipment) will be considered individually at the discretion of the Metropolitan Library Commission and library staff.
6. The Library reserves the right to determine the most appropriate use of all gifts and under special circumstances, may identify materials to be gifted back into the library’s collection.
7. The Library reserves the right to refuse any gift. The Library generally does not accept gifts of art or decorative objects for display in public spaces.
8. Once a gift is accepted by the Library it becomes the property of the Library and may be disposed of accordingly. The gift will not be returned to the donor.

Donor Responsibilities

1. Gifts are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donors should consult their tax advisor.
2. The Library, the Friends and the Trust are not authorized by the Internal Revenue Service to appraise the value of donated items.

Acknowledgement and Recognition of Gifts

1. The Library’s Office of Development and Volunteer Services will provide, on behalf of the Friends and Trust, written acknowledgements for donations.
2. Public recognition of support will be displayed according to written gift agreements among donors, the Library and the Friends or Trust, or, donors can choose to give anonymously.