Our Mission and Vision

While the daily operations of the Friends & Foundation are different, the mission to support the library is the same. As the two organizations began to collaborate more, we realized that leveraging our resources together meant we could be a stronger, more sustainable organization...which also meant a stronger library!  A combined organization allows for streamlined operations and reduced overhead, ultimately directing more funds toward library programs, services, and initiatives. These increased efficiencies will also make it possible for our organization to actively seek new fundraising opportunities to further enhance support for the library.

The newly constituted organization, operating under a single board of directors, will continue to support library services, facilities, and equipment that reach beyond the library’s regular budget. All supporters of the Friends & Foundation – whether they contribute to a capital campaign or make an annual financial donation – will have early access to our three annual Book Sales.

As part of the merger, the Friends of the Library will cease to be a membership organization. Membership organizations must follow specific rules according to federal law. Changing this status means that people who support the library in any number of ways will enjoy the benefits of membership to the Friends of the Library without having to formally become a member of the newly merged organization. While the change helps the new Friends & Foundation organization to streamline its accounting and reporting requirements, it will have no impact on the experience of our donors and supporters.

Please see our book donation page for more information.

The Tax ID of the Friends & Foundation is #93-0933948.

We do not determine the value of the donation. Receipts can be provided designating how many paperbacks and hardbacks were donated at the drop-off location, or at the library’s main circulation desk.

Books are sorted depending on the quality and condition of the donated items. Books of value will be sold online through our online book store, Benton Books. Most books will be sold at the Big Book Sale in February, or our smaller sales such as the Fall Festival Paperback Sale, or the Holiday Sale. We also sell books that are duplicates, and some that may not be in top condition at our Book Sale Rooms/Shelves at each of our branch libraries year round.

In Corvallis, bring donations of books to the landing at the bottom of the stairs off the parking garage during open hours. At all other branches, donations may be taken to the circulation desk.

For assistance with larger donations, call 541-766-6928.