Donations are always welcome. Forbes Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and all donations are fully tax-deductible. You may give to the general fund or target your donation to any area of the library, such as Children's Services, the Hosmer Art Gallery, Reference, technology, books, music or videos, programs, renovations, or any area you choose to support. Checks can be mailed to the Business Office, Forbes Library, 20 West Street, Northampton, MA 01060. If you wish to donate materials or services, please phone 587-1017 to explore the possibilities.
Donating Books and Media
Forbes Library accepts donations of new and used books, audio books, books on CD, CD's, videos and DVD's in good, clean condition to be considered for addition into the collection. The library staff evaluates for acceptance into the collection by the same criteria for which materials are selected for purchase (see Materials Selection Policy). The library reserves the right to make the final decision on all gifts received. Gifts not accepted into the collection may be sold at the book sale to benefit the library or donated to a charitable organization. All gifts accepted into the collection will become the property of the Trustees of Forbes Library and are retained or disposed of according to the Collection Maintenance/Weeding Policy. The library does not accept textbooks, outdated items or items in poor condition. Forbes Library is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and contributions are tax deductible as allowed by law.
Receipts and Valuation
The Library will provide a receipt for all donated materials. However, Forbes Library is not a certified appraiser and can not provide you with a dollar value for your donation. You may speak with a Reference Librarian or the Department Head of the subject area of your donated goods to assist you in locating print and electronic sources for you to determine the tax value of the items.
Here is a listing of some helpful internet sources for determining the value of used books: Used Book Values
For more information about donating to Forbes, please see "Gifts" in our Collection Development Policy.