Yes, the Boreham Library accepts donations. We often accept donations in honor of or in memory of people. When a donation is made in honor of a special occasion in someone’s life (birthday, graduation, etc.), or in memory of a special person, we look for a long-lasting book (one that won’t be replaced by a new edition quickly) and use the funds to purchase and prepare that book. A custom label is placed in the book, and the information can be searched by the name of the person being honored, or by the name of the donor in our catalog.
For example, search for the name Feild. A number of books have been given in honor of Dr. T. A. Feild, emphasizing material on Thomas Jefferson and that period in American history, since that is one of Dr. Feild’s interests. This is a wonderful way to share something with the community, and build the Library’s collection. Since this is a legitimate interest of an academic library, it’s a good topic.
Topics may vary over a wide range of interests, from writing to history to art, and many other topics. It doesn’t have to be a specific interest. Most donations come with only a person to honor or remember, and the Library chooses an interesting book which was being considered for purchase.
For example, many individuals and families have donated funds in honor or memory of a number of people, and books have been chosen that can be found through the catalog. All such books will give years of interesting use to readers. Many other generous donors have provided funds for such donations, and those books continue to serve the Library and its patrons today.
Donations of funds to the Library may be made through the UA Fort Smith Foundation specifying that the donation is for the library, with a note or form on who the donor is, who is to be honored (with the occasion) or who this is in memory of, and anyone who should be notified (such as the family of the deceased).
Actual books and other media donated to the Library will be checked for any possible additions to the collection, and the rest will be considered for the biannual book sale, if appropriate. Funds from the Book Sales go back into purchases for the Library.
While materials donations are tax deductible, the Library is not allowed to place a value on them, as this is considered a conflict of interest. The donor must set the monetary value. The Library can provide a count of items accepted if requested at the time of donation.
It has also been a long tradition of the Chancellor (previously the President), the Faculty and the Staff to honor deceased faculty and staff, and their immediate family members. Many of these honorees can also be found by searching the catalog.
“Books are the true levellers. They give to all, who will faithfully use them, the society, the spiritual presence, of the best and greatest of our race.” — William Ellery Channing, ‘On Self-Culture’
