The following article was submitted by Therese Horstketter, an Adult Services Associate at the Manitowoc Public Library.
Manitowoc Public Library accepts and greatly appreciates material donations. Due to the pandemic, it’s been a while since we’ve been able to receive these donations from the public at large. However, donations are once again being accepted at MPL!
The majority of items given to us go into our Friends of Manitowoc Public Library Used Book Sales. The funds generated from their sale goes directly back into the Library in a variety of ways—via programs, purchases for book discussions, author visits, and, of course, our fantastic Summer Reading Program for all ages!
Since so many of us have been cooped-up for a good deal of time over the past year-and-a-half, we’ve made good use of that time by taking on some extra projects around the house. Which definitely has led to piles of books and other materials being accumulated.
But, this tidying-up has led to many questions regarding our Library’s donation policy, both in terms as to what we’ll accept and how to go about getting things into our hands. We wholeheartedly appreciate your patience and your willingness to set some great donations aside until we could accept them again.
So, with all that being said, here’s some good news: beginning June 8th, we are once again going to accept donations, with some very **new guidelines** to help you, as well as our staff, to handle these donations.
New Donation guidelines
**We will accept one grocery bag of materials at our main Service Desk. Items will be quickly assessed by staff for acceptance.
**For donations larger than one grocery bag, AN APPOINTMENT MUST BE SCHEDULED. In order to schedule an appointment, please contact Therese at 920-686-3044 or by emailing her at thorstketter@manitowoc.org. Staff will not accept unscheduled donation drop-offs larger than one grocery bag.
** Please DO NOT put donations into the Book Return slots
A good rule of thumb is to only donate items you would gift to a good friend.
We love to receive:
All materials must be in good condition and complete, without being marked up, torn, or having been stored in a garage or basement where they picked up a bad odor. Donating items that we cannot use creates work for staff to dispose of them. If you need to set up an appointment with Therese, please have your items in bags or small boxes that do not need to be returned.
We cannot accept:
We reserve the right to reject items that are not acceptable. Please check with your local refuse hauler for recommendations on recycling or check with local thrift shops for donation options.
We will provide a donation receipt for tax purposes. We do not assign a value to your donation.
To find this information on our website (www.manitowoclibrary.org), please go to the “How Do I?” tab and scroll to the words “Donate Used Books”.
Again, thank you for your patience with our donation process as we navigated through these unprecedented times. We look forward to seeing what you’ve decided to part ways with in your new donations to Manitowoc Public Library!
