Material Donations
The Library accepts donations of books and other materials, as well as monetary donations for the purchase of materials, in accordance with its overall collection development policy. Gifts that are not added to the collection are sold, with proceeds going to the Library’s collections budget.
Endowed Book Funds
The endowed book fund program provides special funds for the purchase of books in perpetuity. The annual income and growth of the fund is applied directly to the purchase of books and other library materials. Use of the fund may be unrestricted or, in consultation with the Library Director, funds may be designated for the purchase of materials in a particular subject area. Materials are catalogued and fully integrated into the regular Library collection. Special designation in the library’s catalog honors the donor or the name of the collection.
Endowed book funds may be established with a minimum gift of $10,000. For more information, please contact Sharon Miller, Library Director at 415-393-0113 or using this web form.
Special Collections
Over time, members have donated materials from their personal libraries to the Mechanics' Institute. Criteria for the addition of special collections are first, that the focus of the collection meets the Library’s collection development goals and second, that the Library is able to provide adequate space to house the donated collection. Materials are catalogued and fully integrated into the regular Library collection. Special designation in the library’s catalog honors the donor or the name of the collection. For more information, please call Sharon Miller, Library Director at 415-393-0113 or using this web form.