Ways to Support Your Library

Gifts of Money

Monetary gifts can be designated for a specific collection, or the gift may be unrestricted, leaving the decision to the Library to fund areas of need.

Recognition & Remembrance Gifts

These donations are usually made by individuals or families. These gifts allow you to honor a friend or loved one in a unique and meaningful way. By marking a special occasion with a gift to the Library, you will recognize the important role libraries play in people's lives.

A gift to the Library can reflect the tastes or interests of the individual in whose honor the gift was given. A love of gardening may inspire a book on organic vegetables, or a history buff can be remembered by the book on a favorite history topic.  When you make a gift to the Library, you may suggest a subject area or type of material you would like purchased, or you may simply ask that your contribution be used where needed the most.

A letter can be sent to the honored person or to their family letting them know about the thoughtful gift. A bookplate can be inscribed as you designate and placed in the item, letting the community share in the recognition.

For your convenience, you may print out the Recognition and Remembrance form  below and mail it into the Library or drop it off.

Property of Significant Value

Real estate, securities, or other sizable gifts of this nature will flow directly to the endowment fund of the Grand Rapids Area Library Foundation (held by the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation)

Planned Gifts

Willed donations, bequests or endowments, or other gifts of this nature will flow directly to the Grand Rapids Area Library Foundation Endowment Fund unless otherwise stipulated by the donor.

Used Bookstore/Sales

The Grand Rapids Area Library Friends maintains a Used Bookstore off the lobby of the Library stocked with donated books and discards from the Library's collection. The Bookstore is open during Library hours and is restocked frequently. A large book sale is generally held the 2nd weekend of July. Pop-up book sales occur throughout the year.