Make a financial donation to Wilmette Public Library today, and also learn how your book donations to the Friends of the Wilmette Public Library support library programs and initiatives.
Donating to the Library
Wilmette Public Library is an important and valued asset in the communities it serves. In an average year, residents borrow 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, study spaces, 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 will gladly 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 the Wilmette Public Library accept items to be sold at Books Down Under, the Friends' 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. Self-service tax receipt forms are available on the counter for your donation.
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, DVDs, and other relevant media in good working condition
- Sheet music & LPs
The following items will not be accepted:
- Books in poor condition
- Items with damaged, torn, or broken bindings
- Dirty, moldy, or water damaged items
- Items with highlights, underlining, or markings
- Encyclopedia sets
- Dated nonfiction
- Outdated financial, legal, medical, technology, or travel books
What happens to donated items?
Resources 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 sponsor events and services for patrons. Items may also be sold or given away at pop-up book sales and community events.