Gifts

Monetary Gifts - The library welcomes gifts of cash for direct purchases of library materials and will try to accommodate the subject or title preferences of the donor. A bookplate recognizing the donor will be affixed to the material if desired. Substantial cash offerings, securities, and bequest will be handled by the Director, who, with the Board of Trustees, will work out terms of acceptance that are compatible with library policies, the donor's intent, and applicable laws.

Gifts of Books and Audiovisual Materials - In accepting a gift materials, the library reserves the privilege to decide whether donated items should be added to the collection. Of the many books and other materials citizens give, a considerable proportions can be used. However, some will not be added to the collection. There are various reasons why an item might not be added to the collection. Some of those reasons are: it may be an item of which the library already has sufficient number; it is outdated - interesting but no of sufficient current reference or circulating value to the library; and/or it is in poor condition - which would not justify the expense of processing it, i.e., cataloging and preparing it for circulation. The Potsdam Public Library accepts books and audiovisual materials as gifts with the understanding that those useful to the library collection will be retained, and the remainder disposed of in whatever manner the Library Director deems best. The library necessarily reserves the right to interfile gifts with other collection son the same subject so that all collection are organized and classified on the same subject for the best public service.

Gifts of Art Objects and Other Types of Materials. Although such gifts are usually welcomed and valued, final decision on their acceptance rest with the Library Director and Board of Trustees.

Recognition of Gifts - Bookplates are placed in/on books and other material formats, if possible, unless otherwise specified. Donors are provided with a letter or other appropriate form for tax purposes. Acknowledgments are sent to individuals whom donors wish to notify of the gift.

Use of Gifts - Gifts are accepted with the understanding that it may someday be necessary to sell or disposed of them in the best interest of the library. The library cannot commit to perpetually housing or retaining a gift.

Income Tax Statements - The library cannot appraise the value of any gift. The library will, however, issue the donor a letter of acknowledging the gift. Gifts to the library as a governmental unit are tax deductible; however, the donor will be responsible for securing an appraisal if one is desired.

Restrictions - No gifts can be accepted unless it is given to the library without restrictions or unless the Board of Trustees has specifically adopted an agreement to do so. Gifts are accepted only if in opinions of the Library Director and Board of Trustees they are in the best interest of the library.

Form - A Gift Agreement Form must be signed by donor approved by the Library Director for unrestricted gifts and also by the Board of Trustees for restricted gifts.

Gift Book Program

Gift Book Program - The library welcomes monetary contributions specifically for book purchases in memorial to or in honor of named individuals. For the library to properly acknowledge the generosity a form recording the information should be completed.

Recognition of Gifts - Bookplates are placed in books and other material formats, if possible, unless otherwise specified. Donors are provided with a letter or other appropriate form for tax purposes. Acknowledgments are sent to individuals whom donors wish to notify of the gift.