A Gift of Knowledge

Marjan Petty, Libraries Development Office

Fundraising for libraries is nothing new. In 1638, John Harvard left half of his estate and 400 books to the institution that later became Harvard College. U.S. industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) funded many public libraries across the country.

The UW Libraries relies heavily on private gifts from individuals, as well as from corporations and foundations. The Libraries is expected to be the repository of the latest-the latest technology, the latest edition, the latest discovery-and librarians must provide access to this information so that it can be easily used by students, faculty, staff and visiting scholars. In addition, librarians must preserve history and archive the past. These tasks often require more funds than are available from public sources.

Gifts to the Libraries vary from books and photographs to equipment, historical manuscripts and documents. Contributions of cash or other assets can be donated to any area within the Libraries (reference, collections, etc.) or to a specific library such as Music, Engineering, Undergraduate or Forest Resources.

Similar to other University units, the Libraries welcomes gifts of cash, securities or real estate-for current use, or deferred through trusts, annuities, and pooled income funds. The Andrew and Frances Hilen Endowment for 19th Century Americana, a current use fund established by members of the Hilen family in 1980, has generated income used by the Special Collections and Preservation Division to enhance the collection. In June 1996, the Division held an open house to focus on new additions, and Frances Hilen was honored with a hand-painted poster announcing this special event.

Deferred giving plans pay the donor income for life; the University is only able to use the gift amount as directed by the donor upon that person's demise. Some plans provide fixed income to the donor, others a variable income. All can ultimately establish an endowment (a fund established in perpetuity) in the donor's name with the gift principal.

In an effort to provide "seamless" recognition of donors, a gift to the Libraries now bestows membership in the Friends of the UW Libraries, an association formed in 1991 for library advocacy, support and literary discussion. Members participate in the book sale, attend events, lectures, and the annual Artist Images bookmark event, which this year features Professor Emeritus Jacob Lawrence.

The UW Libraries is appreciative of gifts of all types and sizes. See accompanying Libraries Wish List. If you have questions regarding gift planning or gift acceptance, contact Marjan Petty, Director of Development, University Libraries, Box 352900, Seattle, WA 98195; or call (206) 685-1973. All inquiries are confidential and without obligation.