Tangible Gifts Policy

Tangible Gifts Policy

Purpose
To establish a policy for the acceptance of tangible gifts by the Cranston Public Library (hereinafter “The Library”)¹.

Overview
The Library may accept offers of tangible gifts (hereinafter “gifts”) such as artwork, rare books, maps, furniture, etc. 

Acceptance
The Board of Trustees makes the final decision on acceptance of gifts and can refuse any and all gifts at its sole discretion. The Trustees may delegate this authority to the Library Director.

Guidelines
Gifts will only be accepted by the Library if they are:

1. Appropriate to the mission and needs of the Library.
2. Unrestricted.
3. Irrevocable. Gifts will be accepted with the understanding that they are freely given with no conditions attached and the gift becomes the sole property of the Library.
4. Impose no undue financial burdens or ongoing costs on the Library.
5. The Library will be the sole determinant of its use and/or display. Any gift may be kept, displayed, sold, donated or discarded by the Board of Trustees in accordance with applicable law.

Acknowledgement

1. An acknowledgement letter will be provided upon request. Gifts may be tax deductible. I.R.S. regulations prohibit the Library from giving estimates of value for donated materials. Donors should follow I.R.S. guidelines² in completing the description of goods donated and the value of the goods donated. 
2. The donor or their legal representative must complete a gift form that acknowledges the donor’s understanding and agreement with the terms of this policy.

See also related policies: Donations

Revision history

Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees 3/11/2026. Replaces Art Donations Policy.

_{¹ refers to the Cranston Public Library, its governing board of trustees and its appointed director.
² I.R.S. Publication 561 (12/2024), Determining the Value of Donated Property, https://www.irs.gov/publications/p561.}