Donations
Funding Free Library Services
Funding for the William Jeanes Memorial Library comes primarily from local real estate taxes, levied by Whitemarsh Township. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provides a smaller portion of the operating support, and because of recent state budget negotiations, that contribution was cut significantly. Ensuring quality library services to the residents of Whitemarsh Township requires that the Board of Directors seeks additional gifts, as it has from its earliest days. The Jeanes Library has had a long history of support from individuals, beginning with the 1926 Mary Rich Jeanes Miller bequest of $75,000, bestowed in memory of her first husband, William Jeanes.
Corporate gifts, grants, contributions from the Friends of the Library, and donations made to the Library’s annual fund drive help pay for book purchases, computer upgrades, and adult and children’s programs, and have enabled us to expand the DVD collection and add the popular Sunday hours.
Making a Donation
You can help support quality library service in many ways:
- Annual Fund Drive: Each fall, the Library invites Whitemarsh residents and other friends to make a gift through this solicitation. Look for our letter and gift-return envelope during October. Should you misplace this mailing (or live outside of Whitemarsh), you can pick up fund drive materials at the Circulation Desk. Older donors might consider making a gift from their IRA, which could offer tax advantages (please consult your tax attorney or accountant for details). Download an Annual Fund Drive donation form here.
- Matching Gifts: Many employers will match charitable contributions made by their employees. Please contact your employer's human resources department to request the matching gift form, and forward it to the Library Director.
- Tribute Books: Making a donation to cover the cost of a book or DVD is the perfect way to honor or memorialize a special person, or to commemorate a special event. The librarians can suggest titles that reflect your preferences and complement the collection. The Library will insert a commemorative bookplate into each book or DVD case. Donors can specify an inscription for the bookplate. You can download a Tribute Gift Donation Form here, or contact the Library for guidance.
- Bequests: One of the most enduring gifts is a bequest through your will, life insurance, or trust. Donations such as these create a legacy that demonstrates a commitment to public library access.
- Friends of the Library: By joining the Friends group, your membership dues will enhance regular Library services. Click here to lean more about the Friends of the Library.
- Volunteering: The Library always welcomes contributions of time and talent. Please visit our Volunteer Information page to learn more.
The William Jeanes Memorial Library is a 501(c)(3) corporation, and all donations are tax deductible.
For additional information, please contact the Library Director at 610-828-0441, or send an email to jeanesinfo@mclinc.org.