MAUD PRESTON PALENSKE MEMORIAL LIBRARY
POLICY ON GIFTS OF ART
This policy establishes the criteria under which the library will accept gifts of art works and applies to all works of art offered to or donated to the library.  While collecting and displaying works of art is not central to the library’s mission, some works of art may be appropriate to:
• Enhance the beauty of the facility
• Record an aspect of library or community history
• Commemorate the contributions of individuals to the library
Works of art may include, but are not limited to paintings and sculpture in various media, works on paper, photography, textiles, ceramics, and folk art, both originals and/or limited edition prints.
1.  Donations are to be arranged through the Library Director or a designee.
2.  The director will inform the Library Board of any offer to donate art works to the library at  the earliest appropriate time.
3.  Individuals or groups wishing to donate works of art to the Library must accept the          provisions of this policy before the Library Board will accept gift.
4.  All gifts and bequests accepted by the Library will be free of all restrictions and conditions.  Any exceptions to this rule must have the advance approval of the Library Board.
5.  Gifts of art that pertain to library or community history may be accepted by the library director. 
6.  Gifts that are intended to enhance the beauty of the facility or gifts being given to commemorate an individual’s contributions to the library shall be subject to the approval of a three member art jury, to be appointed by the Library Board upon request of the Library Director.  Jury members selected will be individuals with expertise in judging the specific gift.
7.   Reasonable expenses incurred in connection with a gift will be borne by the individual or organization making the donation. These are meant to include appraisals, insurance, installation, display cases, crating, and shipping.  In cases where a jury is deemed necessary, the library will pay any expenses of the jury.  Any expenses will be discussed and agreed to by the Library Director and donor before such expenses are actually incurred. 
8.  In conformance with Internal Revenue Service provisions, the Library cannot provide an appraisal of a gift for tax purposes.  If the donor intends to claim a tax deduction for a gift, he/she should consult IRS publications 526 (Charitable Contributions) and 561 (Determining the Value of Donated Property).  The donor and the library must complete IRS Form 8283 if the amount of deduction for a non cash gift is more than $500 and the donor intends to claim a tax deduction for the gift. 
9.  Upon acceptance by the Library Board, the donor and the Library will complete a Deed of Gift and the gift will become the property of the library.
10.  The Library may dispose of a gift, by sale or otherwise, in a professional manner, should that be in the best interest of the Library. This decision must be approved by the library board.  Although the donor's consent is not required, as a matter of courtesy the Library may attempt to inform the donor of such disposal. The disposal of a gift for which a tax deduction has been claimed within the period of time (2 years) specified by law may require the completion of IRS Form 8282.
11.  As a courtesy, potential donors of highly valuable or museum-quality works will be informed if it is determined that the library would not be able to use the gift within the library. 
12.  At the time a gift is offered, the prospective donor will receive a copy of this policy.  If it is determined that the process of donation will move forward and the object is housed in the library building, the donor will receive a temporary receipt at that time.  At the time a gift is completed, the donor will receive an acknowledgement letter, and a copy of IRS form 8283 if said form applies.
13.  The Library Director with assistance from appropriate experts (volunteers and/or professionals) will determine how and where works of art will be displayed. 
14.  It is the responsibility of the library director and staff to assure that all works of art are properly maintained and conserved in a professional manner.

Adopted by the Board of Trustees, September 19, 2006