Find information about making a financial donation to Wilmette Public Library, as well as criteria for donating books to the Friends of the Wilmette Public Library.
Donating to the Library
Wilmette Public Library is an important and valued asset in the communities it serves. In an average year, residents borrow more than 700,000 books, movies, and music items from the Library – more than 25 items per person. Residents borrow an additional 150,000 digital or steaming titles each year. Library doors are open 73 hours per week to provide access to children’s storytimes, teen programs, concerts, support groups, book discussions, classes, quiet study rooms, and professional research assistance.
Your support makes this possible. We welcome your tax-deductible donations to acknowledge your appreciation of the Library and to help grow our tradition of service. Your gift will be used to develop new services or to improve existing ones. You may honor a family member, friend, teacher or professional colleague with your donation. At your request, the Library gladly will send a personal acknowledgment to the person(s) you designate.
Your contribution is tax-deductible. To pay with a check, make it payable to “Wilmette Public Library.”
Donating Books to the Friends
Are you looking to donate books to the library? The Friends of Wilmette Public Library accept items to be sold via Books Down Under, their used bookstore on the library's lower level. All proceeds from book sales support library programs and initiatives. The library does not accept material donations to be added to the library collection.
Book donations are accepted during regular library hours inside the vestibule of the staff entrance on the north side of the building adjacent to the parking lot. Tax forms are available on the counter for patron use.
Donation Guidelines
The Friends of the Library accept items that meet the following criteria.
- Gently used books in good condition
- Fiction or nonfiction, for adults or children
- Classics in good condition
- Recent best sellers
- CDs and other media in good working condition
- Sheet music & LPs
The following items will not be accepted:
- Books in poor condition
- Damaged/torn/broken bindings
- Dirty/moldy/water damaged
- Highlights, underlining, or markings
- Encyclopedia sets
- Dated nonfiction
- Outdated travel or technology books
What happens to donated items?
Materials donated in good condition are available for purchase at discount prices at Books Down Under, the Friends of the Library bookstore, located on the lower level of the library. Proceeds from Books Down Under return directly to the library to sponsors events and services for patrons. Items may also be sold or given away at pop-up book sales and community events, and via the library's book bike.