Schaumburg Township District Library welcomes and encourages monetary gifts, gifts of property, and planned giving that supports the Library's mission, programs and services. Outlined is a guide for prospective and potential donors.

The Library accepts such gifts under the following conditions:

Monetary Gifts

Gifts of cash, securities, and bequests will be handled by the Library Executive Director who will work out terms of acceptance that are compatible with Library policies, the donor’s intent, and applicable law. The Library reserves the right to refuse any monetary gift.

There are two types of monetary donations: restricted and unrestricted.

Restricted donations

Restricted donations are those to which the donor has defined specific terms, conditions and purposes. Restricted donations are accepted at the discretion of the Library Executive Director. The Library will attempt to honor the donor’s wishes if the recommendations are consistent with all other Library policies, needs, and resources. Materials purchased with donated funds become part of the Library’s collection and ownership subject to the library’s normal guidelines for deaccession and disposal.

The Library accepts donations of money for the purchase of materials in memory or honor of community residents or others. Library staff will use guidelines outlined in the Resource Selection Policy in determining which materials to purchase. Although the Library cannot guarantee the purchase of specifically identified titles, donors may suggest subject areas, age level or format for the use of their donation to purchase material. A bookplate may be affixed to such material with wording determined by the donor in consultation with and subject to approval by Library staff.

At this time, monetary donations can be made by cash or check made payable to Schaumburg Township District Library attention to the Administrative Business Office at 130 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg IL 60193.

Recognition of Monetary Donations

Monetary donations of $500.00 or more are recognized on our Donor Wall, located at the east entrance of the Central Library.

Donation Levels

Silver: $500 - $999

Gold: $1000 - $4999

Platinum: $5000 or more

Unrestricted donations

Unrestricted donations are those to which the donor has not specified conditions, terms, or purposes. Whenever possible, the Library will use these donations to purchase items that enhance the Library facilities or Library services, which may be outside the scope typically provided in the annual budget.

Securities

The Library encourages individuals considering a gift of securities to first consult legal and/or financial counsel.

General Materials

In most instances, the Library cannot accept direct donations of physical materials due to the staffing and time requirements that are needed to evaluate these materials. We do have a vendor partnership with Better World Books (BWB) and are able to accept donated print materials as set by their guidelines. Donations can be dropped off in the BWB bin that is located outside at our Central Location at 130 S. Roselle. Any print book donations must be placed in the bin directly by the donor.

Schaumburg Township District Library is generously supported by public tax dollars to ensure that a healthy, responsive, vast, and balanced Library collection is purchased and maintained. If a Library patron wishes to recommend a purchase, they may visit the “Suggest a Purchase” link for evaluation and procurement.

For items that have local historical interest and the potential to enhance our local history collection, please contact the Library Executive Director for a discussion and evaluation of the materials. Additionally, if organizations and area consulates would like to make physical donations, please contact the Library Executive Director.

We recommend your generous material donations be offered to nursing homes, daycare centers, Goodwill, local charities, or other organizations designed to receive material donations or which may not have dedicated funds to support literacy initiatives.

Tangible Gifts

The decision to accept gifts such as furnishings, artwork, or equipment shall be made by the Library Executive Director in consultation with the Library Art Committee. Among the criteria on which the decision will be based are: need, space, impact on staff time, security requirements, expense and frequency of maintenance. Such gifts will be accepted only on condition that they may be used, sold, given away, or discarded at the discretion of the Library Director.

The Library reserves the right to refuse any tangible gift.

Tax Considerations

Gifts made to the Library may be tax deductible. Once a gift of real or personal property is accepted, the Library is not able to accommodate or perform an appraisal. Thus, if you are considering a tax deduction and you wish to have your gift appraised, you should do so prior to making the donation, at the donor’s cost. Acceptance of a gift that has been appraised does not in any way imply endorsement of the appraisal by the Library.

Acknowledgment of Gifts

The Library may formally acknowledge the donor’s gift with a gift receipt or letter. However, any gift receipt or letter of acknowledgment will not include a statement of value for non-monetary gifts. If the donor wishes to have a list of items referenced in the acknowledgment, the donor should provide that list to the Library for attachment or inclusion in the acknowledgment letter. Public acknowledgment of gifts is at the discretion of the Library.

Use of Gifts

All gifts are accepted with the understanding that it may someday be necessary that they be sold or disposed of in the best interest of the Library. The Library cannot commit itself to perpetually housing a donation. The Library Executive Director will determine the item’s usefulness, desirability, space requirements, and cost of maintenance. Any gifts with attached conditions of use or retention must have the conditions submitted in writing and approved by the Library Board of Trustees. Such gifts will be accepted on the condition that the specific use requested in consistent with the mission and goals of the Library.

Gifts to Library Employees or Officials

In their capacity as Library Trustee or staff, no Library official or employee shall accept personal gifts of any kind from a member of the public or vendors, except for (a) small items of nominal value; or (b) gifts that are traditionally given in recognition of a milestone event (i.e., service award; retirement), and only in compliance with the State Gift Ban Act. All other personal gifts, including tips, must be: (a) refused; (b) returned to the sender with an explanation that acceptance of gifts is contrary to Library policy; or (c) remitted to the Library Executive Director as a gift to the Library.

Approved by the Schaumburg Township District Library on Dec. 21, 2009 and amended on March 20, 2023; May 20, 2024; August 26, 2024