SPECIAL EVENTS
Evening with an Author is our signature fundraising event. Traditionally held in late spring, presenting authors have included Wally Lamb, Dominick Dunne, Sebastian Junger, B.A. Shapiro, Pam Jenoff, Lidia Bastianich and more! High-profile event sponsorships, ticket sales and silent auction donations make this event our largest fundraiser of the year!
O’tis a Festival is an extra special day for our community. Always held the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the Library transforms into a marketplace of all things creative. This day is comprised of handmade crafts, vendors, music, dancing, raffle and a visit from Santa. Sponsorship opportunities are available for this wonderful kickoff to the holiday season.
GIFT-IN-KIND DONATIONS
Otis Library accepts material donations for inclusion in our collections or the Friends of Otis Library book sale. Donations of up to two (2) bags per visit may be made at the Front Desk. Larger donations are happily accepted and require an appointment. Arrangements may be made by contacting (860) 889-2365, ext. 127. All donated materials must be in good physical condition, free of pests, odor and mildew, and must not be defaced with writing or underlining. No cassette tapes, VHS tapes, textbooks, encyclopedias, guided readers, or magazines, please.
NAMED FUNDS
Donor-designated, named funds may be created to support projects or collections that serve a specific purpose. Named funds are established with a designated gift threshold of $2,500. Named endowed funds must meet the threshold of $20,000. Donors may make a onetime gift or payments over 3-5 years. Specific, named funds need Otis Library’s leadership approval to ensure that the fund’s purpose supports the mission of the Library.
BEQUESTS
Through a simple bequest, you can ensure ongoing support for Otis Library. We recommend that you work with your attorney to establish the necessary language and documents. A simple statement in your will such as: I bequeath the sum of $— to Otis Library, 261 Main Street, Norwich, Connecticut to be used for the Library’s general purposes… advances the mission of Otis Library.
MEMORIAL GIFTS / NAMING OTIS LIBRARY IN LIEU OF FLOWERS
Many families choose to name Otis Library as an organization for memorial donations when a loved one passes. We suggest the following language for an obituary: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Otis Library, 261 Main Street, Norwich, Connecticut 06360 (www.otislibrarynorwich.org.) Otis Library will acknowledge individual donations and provide a list of memorial donors to the family.
OTIS LIBRARY TRIBUTE PROGRAM
A tribute gift made in celebration, honor, or memory of someone who has made a lasting impact in your life is a way to provide personalized recognition while helping your community.
Individuals, families, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to reconsider traditional gift giving by making a thoughtful contribution to the Library. For named tribute gifts of $35 or more, Otis Library will personalize a bookplate bearing the honoree’s name and place it in an item in our collection for circulation. We will happily work with you to identify a preferred subject area or format preference. Tribute gifts under $35 will be added to our general fund for collection enhancement. It is a gift that will live on for years to come.
ADDITIONAL GIFT INFORMATION
The Library accepts gifts with the understanding that no restrictions will be applied to the gift unless jointly agreed upon by the donor and the Library.
Donor names are public information unless the donor requests anonymity.
Donations made to the Library are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.
Library staff cannot place a value on donated items but can provide a donation receipt.
Many employers match charitable gifts given by their employees. Simply include the necessary paperwork with your gift so that we double the generosity.
