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Gifts Policy

The Duluth Public Library welcomes and encourages donations. This policy provides guidance to those who wish to support the Duluth Public Library through a financial donation or other type of gift. It describes the scope of donations received and defines the roles and responsibilities for accepting donations made to the Duluth Public Library.

Principles

  • Donations are welcomed and valued expressions of individual support for the Library and its mission.
  • Financial donations enrich the Library but do not replace public tax support. Gifts of materials enhance the Library’s collection but do not function as the sole or principal means of developing any collection.
  • Other alternatives for donations include two organizations that support the Library. The Friends of the Duluth Public Library raises funds for immediate needs. The Duluth Library Foundation provides support for current needs and maintains an investment account for the future. Both are 501(c)3 organizations.

Scope and Disposition of Donations Received

  • Gifts made to the Duluth Public Library become the property of the Library. Gift materials are considered for the collection using the same Collection Development Policy and standards that govern the acquisition and retention of purchased materials.
  • Materials accepted as gifts and not added to the collection will be sold, donated to the Friends of the Library for sale in support of the Library, or discarded/recycled.
  • Gifts added to the collection are a means of replacing out-of-print materials, providing additional copies of popular and high-demand items, or filling gaps in subject coverage. Gifts serve as an alternative means of acquiring materials that otherwise would have been purchased.
  • The decision to accept the donation of a major special collection is made by the Library Board upon recommendation of the Library Manager. Donated collections become the property of the Duluth Public Library. The Library has sole authority on where the items are located, how long they are retained, and what is done with them upon removal from the collection.
  • When the Library receives a cash donation for the purchase of materials, the general nature or subject area of the materials to be purchased will be based upon the wishes of the donor. Selection of specific titles, however, will be made by Library staff in accordance with the Collection Development Policy.
  • The Duluth Public Library is unable to accept donated works of art. Exceptions can be suggested by the Library Manager, who will bring them to the Library Board for consideration.
  • All monetary gifts will be subject to City of Duluth policies and procedures.
  • The Library provides gift acknowledgments upon request, but will not appraise the value of gifts.
  • Any gifts offered to Library staff must conform to the requirements of the City of Duluth's Conflict of Interest Policy.

 

Duluth Public Library Policies are subject to change without notice.

 

Adopted June 25, 2024

Duluth Public Library Board

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