Support the Libraries
Smith students and faculty thrive on the quality of library resources and services that lie at the heart of the Smith experience. Join the hundreds of alumnae and other supporters who help maintain the excellence of Smith’s libraries through philanthropy. Below are ways you can support the Libraries.
Financial Donations
Select a dollar amount, then choose one of the following funds:
- Friends of the Libraries Membership - Provides annual support for the Libraries and underwrites many initiatives that improve the quality of services and resources provided to students and faculty. For more information, see Friends of the Smith College Libraries.
- Dean of Libraries Innovation Fund - Helps the Libraries pilot new programs and respond nimbly to new technologies, evolving curricula and service models.
- Special Collections Fund - Smith College Special Collections is actively seeking programmatic support. To explore unique funding opportunities for Smith College Special Collections development priorities see Support Special Collections.
- Friends of the Libraries Endowed Fund - Helps ensure the long term vitality of the Libraries.
Special Instructions - Enter the fund of your choice and any other instructions relevant to your gift.
Note: If you would prefer to send a check, please make it out to Smith College with the name of the fund on the memo line and mail it to: Smith College Gift Accounting Office, 76 Elm Street, Smith College, Northampton, MA 01063. Gifts of securities may be made by calling 800-526-2023. Direct queries about library gifts to Mary Irwin, Library Development Officer, 413-585- 2903 or mirwin@smith.edu.
Matching Gifts
Employer Matching Gifts make it possible for you to double, triple or even quadruple your impact. Find out here if your company matches employee charitable contributions.
Endowed Support
Endowed library funds provide consistent income, year after year, and can be relied upon during variable economic times. They also provide a means to honor loved ones. To learn about specific library needs and how to add to or create an endowment, contact the Libraries Development Officer, Mary Irwin, mirwin@smith.edu.
Planned Giving
A bequest, charitable gift annuity or charitable trust can be of enormous benefit for the future well-being of the Libraries. Smith’s planned giving staff is available to discuss the various options, including those with built-in benefits for you and your family.
Gifts of Materials
General Collections
The Libraries are not able to accept gifts or donations for the general collections at this time.
Special Collections
If you are considering a gift of materials to Special Collections, please review the Collection Development Strategy prior to contacting the appropriate curator below:
| Special Collections Repository | Contact | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| College Archives | Nanci Young | nyoung@smith.edu | 413-585-2976 |
| Mortimer Rare Book Collection | Erin McGuirl | emcguirl@smith.edu | 413-585-2907 |
| Sophia Smith Collection of Women’s History | Mariana Brandman | mbrandman@smith.edu | 413-585-2981 |
Alternative Destinations for Your Gift
If the Smith College Libraries decline your gift, here are some suggestions for selling or donating your materials:
- Your local public library
- Local used books stores (search yellowpages.com for "used books")
- League of Women Voters (for annual book sale)
- Better World Books
- Mind and Life Institute
- Or see the American Library Association’s Book Donation Programs on sending books to needy libraries
Tax Benefit
All gifts to the Smith College Libraries are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by the law.
Tax Information for Donors of Materials
Upon request, Smith College Libraries will provide a written acknowledgment to verify donations. For information about tax treatment of your donation, please consult with a qualified tax professional or the Internal Revenue Service.
To find an appraiser consult one of these resources: