Gift Policy

The East Lake Community Library director and board actively encourage gifts and contributions which will help the library better serve the needs of the community. All donations and gifts to the library are subject to the library’s existing policies and guidelines, including those relating to the selection of and provision of access to books and other resources. The library director makes the final decision on the acceptance, use or other disposition of gifts, and also reserves the right to decide any conditions of display, housing or access. The library is granted unconditional ownership of each gift.

ACCEPTANCE OF GIFTS

Gifts of Books and Other Library Resources
The library director and/or professional staff determine whether to accept or decline offers of gifts in the form of books, recordings and other library materials or resources. The director, in accordance with existing library policies and guidelines, may exercise discretion concerning which materials shall be retained for the library’s own collection. Donated materials may be turned over to the Friends of the Library for resale as part of their fundraising activities.

Monetary Gifts
Monetary gifts given for use at the library’s discretion (“unrestricted gifts”) may be accepted by the Library Director.

Monetary gifts given for the purchase of library materials as an honorarium or memorial may be accepted by the library director. The director or a designated staff member will work with donors in selection and processing of such purchases.

Monetary gifts given for the sponsorship of Library programs may be accepted by the director according to the library’s Gifts and Donations Policy.

Monetary gifts given in exchange for naming rights may be accepted by the library director according to the library’s Naming Rights Policy.

Monetary gifts may be accepted by the director to be used as directed by the donor, subject to library policies.  If received without restrictions, the funds may be used at the director's discretion and approved by the Advisory Board for donations of $5,000 or more.  The library director and Board will consider whether separate bank accounts and budget lines will be created to monitor the funds or if the donation will be given to the library's Foundation for future large capital projects or special projects.

​

Gifts in Kind
Gifts of furniture, paintings, statuary and other articles may be accepted by the library director, at his or her discretion. Any conditions attached to the proposed gift, including—but not necessarily limited to—the type of recognition provided and the location, disposition, handling or display of the article, deemed to be inappropriate or impractical may provide a basis for rejection of the gift. Upon receipt, the item becomes the sole property of the East Lake Community Library.

Valuation of Non-Monetary Gifts
While the deemed value of non-monetary gifts may be a factor for consideration, neither the library staff nor the director will issue a written or verbal statement of monetary value to the donor. The library director, or a designated staff member, may provide, on request, a letter of acknowledgment to a donor describing the gift and its apparent condition.

​

Use of Gifts
All gifts are accepted with the understanding that it may someday be necessary that they be altered, sold, or disposed of in the best interest of the library. The library cannot commit itself to perpetually housing a donation. Donations will be accepted ONLY under these conditions.

Recognition of Gifts/Donor Wall
Commemorative book(s) receive a bookplate listing the donor and the honoree and an acknowledgement letter will be sent to the person(s) or family of the person being honored.

 

All monetary gifts are recognized with an acknowledgement letter.

Monetary gifts (other than those associated with naming rights and sponsorships) of $100 or more may be recognized on the Library’s Donor Recognition Wall.