Gifts to the Library Policy
Purpose
The Tinley Park Public Library gratefully accepts gifts and donations that support its mission, strategic priorities, and service to the community. Gifts may include monetary contributions, materials for the collection, works of art, equipment, or other property.
Acceptance of all gifts is subject to review to ensure alignment with Library needs, available space, staffing capacity, and long-term sustainability.
Monetary Donations
The Library welcomes unrestricted monetary donations, memorial gifts, bequests, and other financial contributions. Unrestricted gifts allow the Library the greatest flexibility in addressing emerging needs.
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the Library retains discretion regarding the timing and manner in which donated funds are spent.
Gift Book Program
The Library welcomes monetary contributions specifically for book purchases in memorial to or in honor of named individuals. Final selection of materials remains the responsibility of the Library in accordance with the Collection Development Policy. For memorial books to the Library, the Library may place within the book the name of the donor or honoree, if desired.
Material Donations
The Library accepts donations of books and other materials with the understanding that all items will be evaluated using the same criteria applied to purchased materials under the Collection Development Policy. The Library reserves the right to determine the disposition of all donated items. Out of the many books and other materials which citizens so generously give, a considerable proportion can be used. Some cannot, because any Library material, though of value in itself, may be: (1) a duplicate of an item of which the Library already has a sufficient number; (2) outdated—interesting but not of sufficient present reference or circulating value to the Library; and/or (3) in a condition unsuitable for circulation. The Tinley Park Public Library accepts gift books with the understanding that books which are useful to the Library collection will be retained. Items not added to the collection may be transferred to the Friends of the Library, offered to other libraries or educational institutions, donated to local charitable organizations when feasible, sold, recycled, or otherwise disposed of at the Library’s discretion. The Library necessarily reserves the right to interfile gifts with other collections on the same subject, so that all collections are organized and classified according to Library standards for the best public service.
Gifts of Art, Equipment, and Special Collections
Art objects, portraits, antiques, and other collectibles, if accepted, are accepted only on the condition that they may be retained and placed on Library property, sold, given away, or discarded at the discretion of the Library Board and/or the Library Director. Such gifts are accepted only on the condition that the Library may determine their retention, location, or final disposition.
Use of Gifts
All gifts are accepted with the understanding that changing service needs may make it necessary for the Library to relocate, repurpose, sell, or otherwise dispose of donated property.
Restrictions
The Library generally does not accept gifts with conditions or restrictions that limit their use or create ongoing obligations. Exceptions require formal written agreement and approval by the Board of Library Trustees.
Restricted gifts may be accepted when the specified use aligns with the Library’s mission and strategic goals.
Tax Information
The Library does not assign monetary value to donated materials. Donors are responsible for obtaining appraisals when required for tax purposes.
Right of Refusal
The Library reserves the right to decline any gift that is not in its best interest.
Application
Those wishing to provide a monetary donation, either unrestricted or toward the Gift Book Program, must complete a Gift or Monetary Donation Application.
Those wishing to donate material items, including art, equipment, or special collections, must complete a Materials Donation Application.
Completion of either application does not guarantee acceptance.
Approved 02/23/1983
Revised 05/23/2007
Reviewed 04/29/2013
Revised 07/22/2026