Donating to the Library
The Suffern Free Library is a valuable cultural and educational resource in our community. We hope you’ll consider including Suffern Library in your charitable giving this year. Your donations help us continue to meet the expanding needs of our community.
Monetary donations are gratefully accepted by credit card, check, or cash. You can drop off your donation at the Library or mail it to:
The Suffern Free Library welcomes and actively solicits gifts of money, equipment, furnishing, and other property from businesses, organizations, and individuals at the discretion of the Library Director. Please review our Gifts and Donations Policy for complete details.
Ways to Give
1. Donating Materials
The Suffern Free Library accepts donations of new and gently used books and DVDs. Donated materials are sorted by volunteers and sold through our daily lobby sale or during our larger Book Sales.
Donations are accepted 24/7 in the wooden receptacle at the Library’s service entrance. To drop off materials, follow the “Delivery” signs in the parking lot and drive around to the back of the building. Donation receipts are available upon request at the checkout desk.
Guidelines for Material Donations
- Materials should be in good condition.
We cannot accept:
- Moldy, musty, broken, dirty, or otherwise undesirable books.
- Encyclopedias and textbooks
- VHS and cassette tapes
- Magazines
- Homemade DVDs or CDs
2. Memorial Gifts & Bequests
You can make a gift to the Library in someone’s honor or memory. A donation to purchase books is a meaningful tribute that benefits the entire community. Donate online here or download and complete the form, then return it to the Reference or Checkout Desk. A bookplate will be placed in the selected book(s), and an acknowledgment will be sent to the individual or family being honored.
If you are interested in leaving a bequest or making a stock transfer, please contact the Library Director, Darlene Alessi, or consult with your attorney. Past gifts and bequests have supported projects such as the Library garden, café, sundial, and furniture purchases.
3. Sponsoring Special Projects & Equipment
The Suffern Free Library gratefully welcomes contributions to support programs and equipment. Sponsorships help us offer enhanced services and special events that may not be possible through our regular budget. Donations have funded items like our sculptures and the fun furniture in the Children’s Room.
The Book Sale Group has generously sponsored the Summer Reading Programs—which serve hundreds of children and their families— and purchased the Library’s grand piano. Every donation, big or small, helps you become part of a dedicated team of supporters and volunteers.
Looking ahead, we hope to fund a special outdoor project that places large interactive musical instruments in our outdoor space.
Association Membership
The Suffern Free Library is a free association library that relies, in part, on contributions from Association members for support.
To join, download the Association Membership Form and mail it to us with your check, or pick up a form at the Checkout Desk. Annual membership starts at just $10, or you can donate online with your credit card. All donations are welcome.
If you have questions about making a donation, honoring a loved one, sponsoring a program, or supporting the Library in other ways, we’re happy to help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—call us at (845) 357-1237 or use our contact form to get in touch. We’re grateful for your support and are here to guide you through the process.