Date adopted: August 18, 2025
Resolution No: 250818
The Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (hereafter The Library) accepts gifts of money, books, and tangible items which can be used to further the aims and purposes of the library as stated in its mission and policies. The Library reserves the right to refuse a gift if the conditions of acceptance are contrary to these aims and purposes or would result in the incurrence of excessive expense or administrative support. The Library does not normally accept items for permanent exhibits.
- Library materials. Material accepted by The Library is subject to the Collection Development Policy. Material given to the library becomes library property to be used or disposed of as staff deems appropriate. Material that is in good condition but is not added to the collection is typically included in book sales to benefit the library. The Library makes an effort to use donated materials. Items not added to the permanent collection are given to the Friends or other agencies or completely discarded.
- Monetary Gifts. The Library gratefully accepts unrestricted gifts of money, stocks and other financial instruments to be used at its discretion. Stocks and other financial instruments will be converted to cash upon receipt. Gifts for the enrichment of The Library, other than library material, shall be accepted individually and subject to review by the Library Board of Trustees. Monetary gifts given without restriction will be used to purchase material or equipment, to support library programs, or in other ways that the Library Board deems appropriate. Monetary gifts offered with specific restrictions, including endowment funds, are subject to Board approval of such restrictions before they are accepted.
- In-Kind Donations and Gifts. As deemed appropriate by the Library Board of Trustees or their designee, The Library will sometimes solicit financial support and in-kind donations from for-profit institutions and businesses. Recognition of these donations shall be made.
- Sponsorship. The Library welcomes sponsorship of programs, projects, events, and capital improvements from individuals and groups including businesses and service organizations. Sponsorships must be approved by the Library Board of Trustees. In assessing the suitability of soliciting or accepting a potential sponsor, the Library Board considers the public image of the sponsor, its line of business, and all its products and services. Sponsorships are pursued if the Library Board of Trustees determines that an association between the potential sponsor and The Library is suitable and will positively affect the public image that the library has established in the community.
- Evaluation of Gifts. Gift items will be formally acknowledged if the donor wishes. The Library will not appraise or estimate the value of gift donations. The responsibility for such assessment lies with the donor.
- Gifts to Staff and Trustees. Staff and the Library Board of Trustees shall not accept gifts of any kind from members of the public or vendors, except for small items such as plants or cookies and candy, etc., which can be placed in the department and shared by everyone. All other gifts, including tips, must be refused or returned to the sender with an explanation that acceptance of gifts is strictly against library policy.
Library Foundation and Friends of the Library
The Library Foundation and the Friends of the Library are independent entities, separate from the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library. Each is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with its own set of guidelines, bylaws, procedures, and policies regarding gifts and donations. The Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (“The Library”) does not oversee or manage either the Foundation or the Friends of the Library.
Monetary Gifts or Donations Guidelines: See Naming Rights Policy