Bethel Seminary Library Gift Book Policy

Bethel Seminary Library in all its locations gratefully accepts gifts and contributions for the development of its collections. Books, journals, and other materials that fill existing gaps and support the curriculum are especially appreciated. Materials should be in good condition and appropriate for a graduate-level theological library. Gifts are treated as new acquisitions and must meet the same standards applied to new purchases to maintain quality, consistency, and relevance to the needs of the seminary. We cannot accept books with mildew, mold, or water damage. We will not add items that contain extensive notes, underlining, or markings.

Ownership

Books and other library materials given to Bethel Seminary Library become the property of the library. The library will only add gift material that supports the research and teaching mission of the seminary. Remaining gift material may be sent to libraries overseas, given to students, or disposed of at the discretion of the library staff.

The library will acknowledge each gift with a letter. The letter will only include the number of donated items categorized by paperback or hardback. It will not include an itemized list of titles donated.

Tax Issues

All material gifts to Bethel Seminary Library are considered non-cash charitable donations. Federal law prevents the library from appraising prospective gifts. Donors of gifts with an estimated value between $500 and $5,000 should read IRS publication 526, Charitable Contributions and/or publication 561, Determining the Value of Donated Property, both of which are available from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Donors of gifts exceeding $5,000 in value should also read these publications and discuss tax considerations with an attorney or accountant before making a donation. The Internal Revenue Service requires an appraisal to substantiate a deduction of more than $5,000 for a non-cash gift.

Once the library receives your donation, the material will no longer be available to you. If you are considering a tax deduction and wish to have your collection appraised, please do so prior to making the donation.


If you have questions about donating material to the library, please contact one of the following:

    Bethel Seminary St. Paul: Pam Jervis 651-638-6275
    Bethel Seminary San Diego: Mary Lou Bradbury 619-325-5202
    Bethel Seminary of the East: Jeremy Labosier 612-812-4142



Click here for Donor Record Form