MONETARY GIFTS
The Library accepts monetary donations without conditions on their use  for projects previously approved by the Library Board of Trustees.  Such money is deposited in the Library Operating Account for future expenditure by the Board.

Memorials/Honoring
The Library actively encourages donations as memorials and as tributes to living individuals on special occasions. Such acts provide the Library with an opportunity to add materials or equipment which it might not otherwise be able to afford. In addition, it is felt that such donations provide individuals with a rich opportunity to honor loved ones with a lasting statement of admiration and respect.

Except in rare circumstances, memorials and tributes are accepted in the form of monetary donations to Somerville Public Library. The Library will make every effort to honor the donor’s wishes regarding the selection to be purchased. However, the final decision rests with the Library in accordance with its needs and selection criteria.

A bookplate will be placed in the item purchased with the memorial and tribute gift funds. The bookplate will record the honoree as well as the donor. The Library will send letters to notify all parties of this gift.

In those instances where an individual wishes to donate a memorial book from his personal library, the decision to accept the gift will be based on the principles described in the Library Collection Development Policy. If accepted, the bookplate and notification will be handled in a normal manner. If it is not accepted, the book will be returned to the donor.

LIBRARY MATERIALS
The Library gladly accepts the donation of books and other items with the understanding that the Library may do with them as it sees fit.

Gift materials will be added to the collection if they are needed and if they meet the selection standards that are applied to all materials added to the collection. Gifts accepted for the collection become the property of the Somerville Public Library. Gifts not added to the collection will be disposed of in a way that will be most advantageous to the Library.

Upon receipt of gift materials, a receipt is given to the donor acknowledging the gift items. Due to Internal Revenue Service regulations, the Library is prohibited from providing an estimate of monetary value of the donation.

Special Collections
Special collections of materials will be accepted if they meet the Library’s selection criteria. The Library reserves the right to determine such issues as classification, arrangement and shelving of gift materials. The Library will not accept special collections of materials with any donor’s stipulations that these be kept together as a special collection or entity, or restricted as to use in any way. Collections will be accepted only with the understanding that they will be integrated into the general collection with the Library determining location and usage of the materials.

The Library does not accept as a gift any printed or manuscript items or any objects if the condition of acceptance requires permanent exhibition since the Library believes all exhibits should be changed periodically to maintain interest. Such gifts will be referred to a museum or historical society.

FURNITURE/ART WORK/EQUIPMENT
Gifts of furniture, art work and equipment will be accepted only when, in the opinion of the Library Director, the proposed gift is of a type that is compatible with the Library’s existing furnishings. Generally, it is recommended that donors contribute money for the purchase of such articles.

ACKNOWLEDMENT OF DONATIONS
The Library will ensure that each donor receives acknowledgement and to the degree that the donor is willing, public recognition. The following guidelines will be used in providing aknowledgement to and recognition for donors: