Donation Policy
Members of the community are encouraged to support the mission of the Berkeley Public Library through gifts in the form of materials or financial support. Monetary gifts are welcome and used to enhance programs and services. Gifts of books are gratefully accepted with the understanding that library staff determines which materials are appropriate to add to the collection. Items not added to the collection are recycled or allocated to the Friends of the Library group for resale.
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The following fits are welcome:
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Monetary donations
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Recent hardcover and paperback books (less than 5 years old)
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Local history materials from the Berkeley area
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In Memorial donations
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Supplies for the 'Little Free Food Pantry'
Book & Material Donations
Space limitations and the cost of handling donations require the Berkeley Public Library to be selective in accepting items for donation. Please call the library at 708-544-6017 and ask for the Assistant Director or the Library Director to obtain a status on donations. You may be asked for a description of the material you wish to donate.
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Donation Guidelines
Items must be in "gift worthy" (good/excellent) condition and free of odor, mold, and infestation. We will not accept items that are damaged, dirty, marked, worn, torn or otherwise in poor condition. The library cannot accept the following materials: magazines or newspapers, textbooks, encyclopedias, condensed books (Reader's Digest).
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How to Donate
All donations must be arranged in advance. Please do not drop anything off without calling first. Drop off hours are Mon.-Fr. 10am-5pm and Sat. 10am-3pm. Donations must be delivered in boxes or bags that will not be returned. Receipts are not given for material donations without previous arrangements.
Monetary Donations
Monetary donations may be made in the form of cash, cashier's checks, or personal checks. Checks for monetary gifts to the library should be made payable to the Berkeley Public Library. Monetary donations may be mailed to the library, attention the Assistant Director. Cash donations should be made in an envelope directed to the Assistant Director. Receipts for monetary donations may be made upon request (all cash donations will receive a receipt).
The Library also accepts monetary donations online. For more information on providing support via this format, please see the Library's website.
In Memorial Donations
The library does accept In Memorial donations. These donations must be coordinated in advance with the library's Assistant Director. Family preferences are welcome and considered, but the library reserves the right to use these donations without restriction. A designated family representative will need to be appointed and any and all communications regarding an In Memorial donation shall only be provided to a designated representative.
'Free Little Food Pantry' Donations
The Library operates a small community pantry located outside, just off the parking lot. The pantry operates on a 'take what you need, leave what you can' system. Donations of non-perishable food items, sanitary products, and small household items are welcome. If you would like to donate a larger quantity of items for the purpose of keeping the pantry stocked, please reach out to a library staff member. Please do not leave any expired or perishable items in the pantry.
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APPROVED by the Berkeley Public Library Board of Trustees this 26th day of July, 2023. AYES:5 NAYS:0