Support the Library

Donations to support the Library should be made through the West Hartford Public Library Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized and operated exclusively for the benefit of the West Hartford Public Library system.

The Foundation’s mission is to offer financial support to enhance the Library’s resources and services and to facilitate access to them for the benefit of all members of the community. The Foundation is not designed to replace tax dollars nor affect the Town’s budgeting and tax funding process in any way. The Foundation often provides funding for special library events or projects such as museum passes, children’s summer programs, annual West Hartford Reads author event, new technology, and much more. All contributions to the Foundation are tax deductible to the extent allowed by the law.

For ways to donate, see the Ways to Give section below. For more information on the Library Foundation, click HERE.

The Foundation is pleased to accept donations in any way which works to fulfill your philanthropic objectives.

Cash or Credit Card Gifts: Checks may be dropped off at the library or mailed to the Library Foundation c/o WH Libraries (20 South Main Street, West Hartford, CT 06107). In addition, contributions may be made by credit via Paypal.

Wills and Bequests: A specified amount or a percentage of your estate can be left to the Library Foundation, or you may request to make a residual bequest, leaving the remainder of your estate after you have provided for your other beneficiaries. Your intentions must be clearly stated in your will.

Gifts of Stock: We are pleased to accept gifts of appreciated stock, allowing the donor to make a substantial contribution while avoiding capital gains taxes. The donor may also receive an income tax charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the stock at the time of the gift. To ensure proper credit, please contact us for transmittal instructions.

Gifts of Life Insurance: The Library Foundation can be named as a beneficiary of a paid-up life insurance policy or a new policy.

Other possible donations include gifts of real estate, charitable remainder trusts, and more.

Matching Gifts: Many employers will match their employee’s or retiree’s charitable contributions either directly or through an affiliation with an online matching gift program. Check with your employer in order to maximize your donation.

For more information, or to mail a contribution to the Library Foundation:

West Hartford Library Foundation
20 South Main Street
West Hartford, CT 06107

Email:  WHPLFoundation@westhartfordlibrary.org

Those interested in giving funds for the purchase of gift or memorial books to be added to the collection should fill out the Commemorative Gift Form.

Please mail the completed gift form together with your check made out to the:

West Hartford Library Foundation
20 South Main Street
West Hartford, CT 06107

Attention: Foundation Administrator

Questions, please contact the Foundation Administrator at 860-561-6973 or Foundation@westhartfordlibrary.org

At the Noah Webster Library (20 S. Main Street) we accept new or gently used items (books, CDs, DVD, and Blu-Rays). We do not accept textbooks or workbooks.

Once materials are donated to the library, they are library property and cannot be returned. Please bring all donations to the Circulation Desk at the Noah Webster Library. We do not accept donations at the Bishops Corner or Faxon Library.

The West Hartford Public Library may accept donations of materials with the understanding that items added to the collection must meet the same criteria as purchased materials. The library reserves the right to refuse gifts and to make all decisions about use, housing and disposition of materials. The library does not appraise gifts nor provide evaluations of gifts for tax purposes.

If you have many items to donate (more than one box or bag), please contact other area libraries.

There are no volunteer opportunities at this time. Please check back later.

The Library Board manages and controls the free public libraries of West Hartford and may act as trustee for all property or income designated for public library purposes. There are 5 members appointed by the Town Council to serve a 5-year term with the option for reappointment for an additional term. The Board generally meets on the fourth Monday of the month; residents are welcome to attend Library Board meetings. 

Click HERE for Library Board meetings, members and contact information

To contact the Library Board:  Board@westhartfordlibrary.org

Mailing address:

West Hartford Library Board
c/o West Hartford Public Library
20 South Main Street
West Hartford, CT 06107