Donations of Used Books & Audiovisual Materials
The library accepts small donations of new or gently used books, DVDs, and CDs that are in good condition. Due to limited storage space and limited staffing to process used books, larger donations of 10 or more books should be made during the Friends of the Stillwater Public Library’s annual fall and spring book collection drives. The library does not accept magazines; records; cassettes; three-dimensional items; condensed books; textbooks; or books that are worn, stained, mildewed, or contain mold, handwriting, or highlighting. Please package all materials in boxes or bags that can be left with the donation. We cannot return boxes or bags.
- What happens to my book once I donate it?
Materials that are current and like-new will be considered for the library’s collection. The materials must meet the same standards of selection as items purchased by the library. If not added to the library’s collection, it may be sold in the Friends of the Stillwater Public Library book sales to benefit the library. Materials containing outdated information will be recycled.
- Once I donate my book, can I get it back?
Once you give materials to the library, the gift becomes the property of the library or the Friends of the Stillwater Public Library. We are unable to return donated materials.
- If I donate an item to the library, can you tell me how much it is worth for I. R. S. purposes?
By law, we cannot determine the value of a donation for I. R. S. purposes. We can supply you with a receipt that acknowledges the donation you made to the library. You will have to provide the valuation to I. R. S.
- If you will not accept my donation, do you have a list of other places that might?
Information about other agencies that may accept your donations is available from the Public Services staff.
- When may donations be made?
Due to limited storage space for donated items, it is preferred that donations of ten or more books be made during the Friends of the Stillwater Public Library’s annual fall and spring book collection drives. On the collection dates, patrons can drive their cars into the library’s parking ramp. Volunteers will help unload the materials and prepare them for the annual used book sale.
Donations of Self-Published or Independently Published Books
Stillwater Public Library is often asked to add items to our collection that are independently written and/or published. This can include materials that are self-published or published through small press publishers.
- How may I submit my materials for consideration?
If you would like Stillwater Public Library to consider your materials, please complete the request for consideration fact sheet and attach professional reviews. Materials will not be considered for the library’s collection without a fact sheet. All materials added to the library’s collection are subject to the library’s collection policy and selection criteria.
- What increases the possibility that my materials will be added to the collection?
The best way to bring attention to a title is through reviews. A positive review in one or more of the library review journals, such as Library Journal, School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, Publisher’s Weekly, or a local Twin Cities newspaper will give your book an improved chance for purchase by Stillwater Public Library (and other public libraries as well). Review sources that specialize in self-published and small press materials include the following:- PW Select, self-published book reviews from Publishers Weekly
- ForeWord Reviews, reviews books that are independently published
- Midwest Book Review has a monthly Small Bookwatch
- Independent Publisher, an online magazine that includes book reviews and resources for small presses and authors.
- May I submit a preview copy?
Preview copies will be treated as donations and handled in the same manner as all donations. Materials not added to the collection will not be returned and may go into the Friends book sale.
- What if my material is only available in a digital format (eBook, eAudiobook)?
Stillwater Public Library does not have the technology to host and circulate eMaterials except through our vendor (OverDrive). You must sell or donate your material to the vendor before we can consider adding the title to our eLibrary.
- Are there any other ways for me to share my book with readers?
Local authors can create eBooks and share them with readers across the state and country through the Minnesota Libraries Publishing Project.Donations of Other In-Kind Items
If you are interested in donating other in-kind items, please contact the library to discuss the nature of your gift before bringing the materials to the library. Gifts to the library are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Upon request, we will give a receipt listing the number of items donated; however, we cannot provide a valuation for tax purposes.