Used Books and Media
The Friends of the Baldwin Public Library accept donations of lightly used (clean, fresh-smelling, in good condition) hardcover and paperback books. They also accept DVDs, and Audiobooks. The Friends DO NOT accept magazines, encyclopedias, condensed books, outdated (older than 5 years) computer software, textbooks, or music CDs. Please place your donations on the Friends cart near the first-floor elevator during regular library hours.
Baldwin Public Library Trust
The Baldwin Public Library, through its Trust, has a number of donor opportunities and ways for you to support the Library. Contributions from the community go toward enriching Library programming, spaces, and materials, and enable us to create new experiences for our patrons. All donations to the Baldwin Public Library Trust are tax deductible.
You may donate online using PayPal [link opens in new tab], at which point you will have an opportunity to enter your donation amount and intended purpose of the donation.
You may also donate by downloading, completing, and delivering our donation form to the library. Completed donation forms can be mailed to:
Baldwin Public Library Trust
300 West Merrill Street
Birmingham, MI 48009
The Baldwin Public Library Trust is a 501(c)(3) organization, established in 1981, whose purpose is “to receive, hold, invest and apply donations of money, personal property and real estate for the benefit of the Baldwin Public Library.” The Baldwin Public Library Trust Board manage all donations. All donations to the Trust are invested and spent according to the guidelines of the Trust Investment Policy.
Other Donation Opportunities
The Library offers a number of other donation opportunities through its endowment fund. Your gift can be structured to meet your needs.
- Gifts of Materials, Artwork, Furnishings, Technology, or Personal Property: Offers of gifts of materials for the collection shall be reviewed with the donor prior to acceptance. Gifts are accepted with the understanding that they become the property of BPL upon receipt and that BPL shall make all necessary decisions according to its Collection Development Policy as to their retention, placement, cataloging and other considerations relating to their use and disposition. While gifts of art and other collectibles are welcome, BPL reserves the right to determine the placement and display of these objects. The decision to accept the gift will be based on the suitability to BPL’s mission, and the availability of space for display.
- Gifts of Money to Purchase Tribute and Memorial Items: Donations of money to purchase tribute or memorial items are always welcome. A minimum of $25.00 is needed to purchase an item. These gifts will be expended for the designated purpose with appropriate recognition. Proper notification will be sent on receipt of the gift, in advance of the item being ordered.
- Naming Rights: The BPL Trust Board of Directors considers the naming of a space in honor or memory of a living or deceased individual, corporation, foundation, or organization to be one of the highest distinctions it can bestow. BPL seeks to recognize persons who have supported BPL through distinguished effort or substantial financial contributions by naming a space in their honor. A “space” is defined as an internal feature, which may be a room or area, or an external feature, which may be gardens or an outdoor area. Learn more about our Naming Rights Policy.
- Endowment Fund: You can endow a fund honoring an individual, family or organization with a minimum donation of $10,000. The Library will identify the funding source of all items and services acquired through the endowment. You may choose a specific area of support, such as collections (e.g., large print books, teen materials), programs (e.g., author lecture series), or any other kind of library-related activity (e.g., staff development).
- Property: Gifts of cash, real estate, or other valuable property to the Library are deductible. Former gifts include furnishings for a specific area and special landscaping on the Library grounds
- Bequest: By remembering Baldwin Public Library in your will you create a lasting memorial. As with an endowment, you may choose a designated area of support.
- Appreciated Securities: A gift of securities to the Baldwin Trust is entirely free of tax, no matter how much the value may have risen since you acquired them.
- Trust Arrangements: Charitable lead trusts offer the Library the income of an asset for a specified number of years. Charitable remainder trusts are accomplished by the creation of annuity trust or a unitrust.
- Life Insurance: Name the Baldwin Public Library as an owner and beneficiary of a life insurance policy. It allows you to make a substantial gift. The premium is tax deductible.
- Life Tenancy: Subject to your continuing use of the property for life, give the Library a home or farm and earn an income tax deduction.
If you would like to discuss donation opportunities, please contact Rebekah Craft, Library Director, at 248-554-4681 or rebekah.craft@baldwinlib.org.
