Your financial support or donation of books and materials will help Boise Public Library work toward a common goal to serve our community. You’ll be helping people live richer, fuller lives through lifelong learning; for many, this begins at the Library. The Library is designated as an Idaho Educational Institution and qualifies for the Idaho Education Tax Credit, so your gift is tax-deductible. 

If you would like to make a financial donation today, just print and complete the donation form and mail it with your contribution to the address indicated on the form. For more information, please see the information below, or call 384-4238.

• Financial Donations
• Donation of Books and Materials

Financial Donations

There are several ways you can make a financial donation to the Library. Gifts of any size are appreciated, and we will keep your personal and financial information completely confidential. Your donation to any of the following organizations will be used to benefit the library. 

• Memorials & Tributes

• Outright Gifts and Planned Giving

• Matching Gifts
• Friends of Boise Public Library Memberships

Memorials and Tributes

Donations may be made to the Library’s Gift Fund for the purchase of materials and other items. In the case of a cash gift for the purpose of memorial, tribute, or other recognition, the donor has the option of selecting items to be purchased.

The general nature of the book, or its subject area, will be based upon the interests of the deceased or the wishes of the donor, and the needs of the library. Should the donor indicate no preference for a specific use of the gift, the donation shall be used in a way and for whatever materials, equipment, or programs are deemed to be of greatest need for the library.

Gifts of money, real property, and/or stock are welcomed, but must comply with state and city codes governing such gifts. In accordance with Idaho State Code, stock will be sold, and the proceeds deposited in the library's gift fund account.

Outright Gifts and Planned Giving

The Boise Public Library Foundation, Inc., welcomes gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and estates for general support of Library services and for specific programs and projects.

The Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, classified as a 501(c)(3), and gifts are tax deductible to the extent of the law. The Library itself is designated as an Idaho Educational Institution and thus gifts to the Library, through the Foundation, also qualify for the Idaho Education Tax Credit.

While the typical donation is an outright gift, a planned gift may allow you to create a legacy for your community while meeting your own financial and personal objectives.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to reduce income, gift, and estate taxes; secure a source of cash flow for the rest of your life; or reduce or eliminate capital gains taxes.

We recommend that you talk with your attorney or financial advisor about the best ways to benefit the Library Foundation with your generosity, while meeting your own financial goals. Planned giving options you might consider include:

• Will or trust
• Life insurance
• Charitable remainder trust
• Endowments
• Memorials and gifts

Matching Gifts

Some employers generously match their employees’ donations. You may be able to increase your donation by completing the proper paperwork. Be sure to check with your employer about matching gift policies.

Friends of Boise Public Library Memberships

The Friends of the Boise Public Library also raise funds through memberships, from which the all-volunteer, non-profit organization recruits its valued workers. Call 384-4238 for more information, or print, complete and mail the membership form.

Donations of Books and Materials

The Friends of the Boise Public Library collect books, records, DVDs, CDs tapes and magazines to benefit the library. Some of these gifts are incorporated into the library’s collection, while others are sold in the Friends Booksales or the Friends Bookstore to benefit the library.

Where can I donate materials? The Friends group receives donations at the Main Library downtown only. If you are unable to come to the downtown library, you may be able to arrange for a volunteer to pick up larger quantities by calling 384-4198.

What happens to donated materials? The Library reviews donated materials and adds suitable materials to the Library’s collection. Each year, about 5,000 items are added to the collection from donations. Remaining books and materials go into the Friends Booksales or Bookstore to raise funds to support the Library. Unsold books may be donated to other area libraries and nonprofit organizations.

What materials are accepted? The Friends organization accepts hardbound and paperback books, records, CDs, DVDs, video & audio cassette tapes, software and magazines, regardless of age. Donations of computers and equipment are not accepted.

Is my donation tax deductible? The Library is designated as an Idaho Educational Institution and qualifies for the Idaho Education Tax Credit, so your gift is tax-deductible. Please ask for a tax receipt at the time of your donation. You are responsible for assessing the value of your donation.

Last Updated: 07/29/2009