Donation Guidelines for Books and Other Materials

Thank you for thinking of the Beatrice Public Library when donating books and other materials. Donations help support library services, programs, and community outreach. Because space and staffing are limited, we’re only able to accept certain types of materials. To ensure donated items can be used effectively, please review the following guidelines before bringing items to the library.

The library director, or a designated staff member, is responsible for selecting the materials that best meet the community’s needs and interests, while operating within the policies and procedures. 

The Beatrice Public Library’s collection of materials is intended to provide resources to assist individuals in their pursuit of educational objectives, intellectual and emotional growth, enjoyment, and practical solutions to daily problems. The library works to keep the collection useful and relevant to the community. This includes replacing essential materials when needed, and removing items that are worn out, outdated, historically insignificant, no longer popular, or materials that no longer support the library’s goals and services.

The Beatrice Public Library strives to offer a collection representing varying points of view and interests. Each person chooses the materials that are right for them, and parents or legal guardians are responsible for guiding their children and teens’ reading choices.

The library may accept:

• Fiction and nonfiction books in good condition
• Children’s and young adult books
• Recent magazines (within the past year)
• Audiobooks on CD
• DVDs
• Puzzles and games with all pieces included
• Local history and genealogy materials
• New or gently used educational materials

Due to space, condition, and collection limitations, the library cannot accept:

• Moldy, mildewed, smoky, or damaged materials
• Torn, stained, or heavily marked books
• Encyclopedias or textbooks more than 5 years old
• VHS tapes, cassette tapes, or outdated media formats
• Reader’s Digest condensed books
• Magazines older than one year
• Incomplete puzzles or games
• Materials with pests or excessive odors

Disposal & Sales

Your items will be evaluated for the library's collection or placed in the Friends of the Library book sale to fund programs. Donated items are typically not returned to the donor.

Important information:

• Donations must be clean and in usable condition. 
• Library staff reserves the right to decline donations based on condition, relevance, or available space. 
• Donated materials become the property of the Beatrice Public Library. 
• Items may be added to the library collection, used for programs, sold in book sales, recycled, or otherwise disposed of at the library’s discretion.
• The library cannot guarantee donated items will be added to the collection.
• For large donations (more than 3 boxes), please contact the library in advance so arrangements can be made.
• The Beatrice Public Library cannot assign a value to donated materials. Donors seeking a tax deduction should keep their own records. Receipts acknowledging the donation may be available upon request.

How to Donate

Donations may be brought to the circulation desk during regular library hours. Please do not put donations in the book drop. For questions regarding donations, please contact the library.

We sincerely appreciate our community’s generosity and support. Thoughtfully donated materials help us continue providing valuable resources, programs, and services for all ages. Thank you for taking the time to review these guidelines and for considering a donation of materials that can be put to good use in our library and community.

Joanne Neemann
Library Director