Donations, Gifts and Memorials
The library has received and been enriched over the years by public-spirited citizens who have generously donated thousands of books and dollars. Since such additions assist in carrying out the library's purposes, they are always encouraged and welcomed.
Gifts of Money
Tax revenues are the normal sources of income for all public libraries. Gifts and endowments are encouraged to enrich and expand library programs. Such gifts are tax deductable.
Gifts of books or other material
Material selected for the collections must meet high selection criteria on the basis of literary quality and usefulness. Gift materials are screened by the same standards as are all other materials; therefore, library's acceptance of a gift is not guarantee that such gift will be processed into the regular collections and made available to the public. Such gifts as are found acceptable are cataloged and placed in their regular places on the shelves where they are found most useful, rather than in a special gifts collection. Special books plates are inserted to identify gifts and memorials when requested; but, with exception, gifts are considerd part of the regular collection.
The library is happy to accept donations of materials under the following conditions:
1. The items are free of mold, mildew, excessive dust, and odor of smoke
2. The items will be placed in the library collection if they are needed and if they complement the collection in accordance with the Library Collection Development Plan.
3. By accepting and using such gifts, the libray assumes no special obligations to the donors. Gifts which do not meet the library's selection criteria are disposed of whatever ways the library sees fit.
4. The library, by law, cannot give the donor receipt stating the value of the gift. However, the library will be happy to give the donor a receipt stating the nature of the gift, such as "5 hardbacks and 2 paperbacks."
5. Donations cannot be accepted in lieu of payment for lost library books or overdue fines.
6. The library usually cannot accept old magazines due to the lack of storage space.
7. The library reserves the right to refuse any item which it cannot use and which would be difficult to store or dispose of.
8. The library does not accept for permenent deposit materials which are not given as outright gifts.
Honors and Memorials
The library is happy to accept donations of books or money to purchase books in memory of those who have dies or in the honor of the living. If money is donated, the library will attempt to purchase a book that will be useful to library patrons for many years to come and one that reflect's the honored or deceased person's interests, unless the collection is judged not to contain an overabundance or similar materials.
For more information please contact:
Kenton Temple, Library Director
Anna Porter Public Library
158 Proffitt Rd. Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-5588