Secure the Future of Your Library

            The Stockbridge Library is a public library that is financed primarily with private funds. The Town of Stockbridge contributes an amount equal to about 35 percent of the library’s operating budget every year. The remaining two-thirds is financed through the library’s annual appeal to Stockbridge residents and users of the library, through annual fund-raising events such as the library book sale and the Valentine’s Book Party, through special one-time fundraising events, and through income produced by the library’s endowment. Please see the calendar for a schedule of fundraising events.

 There are several ways that you can support the library.

 Donations

Donations of cash in any amount are greatly appreciated and are tax deductible. Donations to our endowment are especially helpful because they help secure the future of the library and guarantee that the library can cover its ongoing operating costs.

 The library is also grateful for donations of materials to its Historical Collection. For information on donating historical materials, artifacts, and memorabilia relating to Stockbridge and its residents, please contact Barbara Allen (413-298-5501).

Planned Giving

A planned gift is any charitable contribution, immediate or deferred, that considers the donor’s personal tax, financial, and estate planning circumstances. Planned gifts should be made in consultation with the donor’s professional financial advisors. Following are several options for planned gifts to the library.

Outright Gifts

Appreciated Securities — By giving appreciated securities, you receive an income tax deduction equal to the market value of the securities, and you also avoid paying any capital gains tax on any appreciation in value since the time of the original purchase.

 Life Insurance — When you a give a life insurance policy to the Stockbridge Library, the face surrender value of the policy is deductible as a charitable contribution. If you continue to pay premiums after the gift, these premiums are also deductible.

 Real and Personal Property — Most all real or personal property can be given as an outright gift to the Stockbridge Library. Examples include a residence, land, paintings, library collections, cars, musical instruments, and historical artifacts.

Future Gifts

Bequests – You can make provision in your will for a contribution to the Stockbridge Library from your estate without diminishing your assets during your lifetime. Because bequests are deductible from your taxable estate, significant estate tax savings may be possible.

Life Insurance – Change the beneficiary on a life insurance policy to the Stockbridge Library. Upon your death, the library will receive the contribution, and the size of your taxable estate will be reduced, thereby reducing any estate taxes.

 Retirement Plans – Change the beneficiary of a qualified retirement plan or an IRA to the Stockbridge Library. Upon your death, the library will receive the contribution, and the size of your taxable estate will be reduced, thereby reducing any estate taxes.

            Thank you for helping to secure the future of the library. If you have any questions about donations, planned giving, or other contributions to the library, please contact librarian Rosie Schneyer at 413-298-5501.