Overview and Purpose
Northland Public Library (NPL) welcomes donations, including gifts of money, books and other materials, marketable securities, bequests and beneficiary designations, artwork, or property of any kind that support and further NPL’s mission, vision and goals. It is understood that such gifts and bequests should not replace public support but should enable NPL to provide and enhance library services in ways not possible within NPL’s current operating budget. The purpose of this policy is to specify the types of donations NPL will accept and how NPL will handle these donations. Donations of any gifts not specified in this policy will be considered on an individual basis.
General Policies
NPL cannot and does not appraise donated items. Donors who wish to determine the value of a donation must make all arrangements for and assume all costs of an appraisal prior to donation. All gifts accepted by NPL become the property of NPL, which reserves the right to retain, use, sell or dispose of the items, as needed, and in a fashion determined by NPL in its sole discretion. NPL reserves the right to refuse to accept any gifts that Library staff deem not to be in its best interests of NPL to accept, in their sole and absolute discretion. NPL will seek the advice of counsel in matters relating to the acceptance of gifts when appropriate.
Monetary Gifts (excluding grants)
Monetary gifts to NPL are welcome and shall be accepted and administered pursuant to the terms and conditions of that certain Memorandum of Understanding between NPL and the Northland Public Library Foundation (NPLF) dated as of August 22, 2023 (the “MOU”). Donors wishing to contribute to a specific collection, program, service, etc., are encouraged to work with NPL and NPLF staff to determine the best use for their donation as a restricted gift, as more particularly described in the MOU.
Art and Decorative Objects
NPL may accept gifts of art, including paintings, photographs, and decorative objects on a case-by-case basis. For insurance purposes, some items may require an appraisal. NPL determines the placement and display of such accepted items, though NPL staff will consider the wishes of the donor regarding the item’s location. NPL will not accept art or decorative objects that cannot be properly cared for or secured by NPL within its normal operating procedures.
Furniture and Equipment
NPL generally does not accept donations of furniture for public use, office furniture, or technology equipment (desktops, laptops, tablets or peripheral equipment).
Materials
NPL accepts donated materials in good condition, including but not limited to books, audio books and audio-visual materials pursuant to its Material Donations Procedure. NPL staff evaluate donated materials for inclusion in NPL’s collection according to NPL’s Collection Development Policy. Collections of donated materials may be accepted with the understanding that the collection may not remain intact. Materials not accepted for NPL’s collection may be sold in the Book Nook or in NPL’s semi-annual book sales, or they may be recycled or discarded.
Real Estate
NPL may accept gifts of real property that supports or could be sold to support NPL’s mission. Such offers will be handled by NPL staff in consultation with the NPL Authority Board to determine the gift’s suitability and the terms of acceptance compatible with NPL’s policies, the donor’s intent and any applicable laws.
Review of Policy
This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated as needed to reflect current best practices and NPL’s evolving needs.
Approved 6/23/2026
