Donations
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.
Your donations may also be tax deductible, and may qualify for tax credit in Idaho. Please check with your tax advisor.
If you would like to make a financial donation today, there are two choices:
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 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.
Boise Public Library Foundation's Gift Acceptance Policy.
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 raise funds through sales and memberships. The Friends group is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization, classified as a 501(c)(3). Memberships and donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law. If you would like to become a member of the Friends of the Boise Public Library, visit friendsoftheboisepubliclibrary.org for more information.
Donations of Books and Materials
For information on what the Friends currently accept and how to donate, please visit the Friends’ donation page on their website.
What happens to donated materials? Books and materials are sold in Tree City Books (the Friends book store in the Main Library and on Amazon); or in the Friends’ book sales held several times a year. Unsold books may be donated to other area libraries and nonprofit organizations. Proceeds from the sales of donated items benefit Library programs and staff education.