“A great library cannot be constructed - it is the growth of ages”
-John Hill-Burton
Ways of Giving
In making a gift to the Library, you may choose the type of donation that best suits your personal needs and preferences, with benefits to both yourself and the library. You may specify the use of your gift, or allow the library to place it in the area which needs it most. You may make an Outright Gift or a Planned Gift.
All of these gifts can offer those who qualify a charitable income tax deduction.
Outright Gifts
Cash
The most direct way to support the Library is through a gift by either cash or check. You can also donate now tthrough our website.
Appreciated Securities
A charitable gift of appreciated stock can make sense for donors holding stock that has appreciated over the long term. A stock gift generally offers two-fold tax savings. First, the donor avoids paying capital gains tax on the increase in the value of the stock. Second, the donor can receive an income tax charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the stock at the time of the gift.
Matching Gifts
Many companies offer matching gift programs for outright gifts made by their employees and their spouses. Please check with your employer’s benefits office and that of your spouse to take advantage of this additional giving opportunity.
Gifts-In-Kind
The library also welcomes gifts of new books, videos or DVD’s. Your donation may be added to our Reference, Circulating collection or The Kentucky Room. It may also be donated to the Friends Book Cellar.
Planned Giving
Bequests
A charitable bequest is a gift one leaves in their will. In making a bequest, donors are often able to make greater contributions than they could otherwise have afforded during their lifetime while providing an ongoing legacy for the values and causes that are most important to them. There are two types of bequests:
- A specific bequest allows you to make a donation of a specific dollar amount.
- A residuary bequest is a gift of all or part of the property remaining in your estate after debts, expenses and specific bequests have been paid.
A charitable bequest is fully deductible for federal estate tax purposes.
Trusts and Other Life-income plans
Cash, securities or property may be used to establish charitable trusts and annuities that make a substantial contribution and provide life income for yourself or a beneficiary, avoid estate taxes and probate, and provide immediate and long-term income tax benefits.
Life Insurance
You may donate life insurance by making the Lexington Public Library the owner of a policy, or designating the Library as beneficiary. Your estate may take a federal estate tax deduction for the amount of the policy.
