Library of Things

 

Purpose

The Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield (PLJCS) accepts donations of items and materials with the understanding that they will could be included into our Library of Things collection or to be used for library related events and programs, as well as meet the informational, educational, and technological needs and interests of our community, foster connections, support literacy, and provide services that enrich citizenship in a welcoming environment. 

 

The Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield accepts donations of materials with the understanding that they will be added to the library or its collection.

• The library reserves the right to accept or refuse any materials received as donations.

• Acceptance by the library of any gift does not mean that the item will be incorporated into the collection.

• Donated material not added to the collection or used for library related events will be discarded or sold at the library’s discretion to generate additional funding for library programs and services.

• The library will not accept materials that are not outright gifts, and donated materials become the property of the library.

• No monetary evaluation of gifts for tax or estate purposes will be provided.

• The library reserves the right to withdraw donated materials from the collection when they are no longer appropriate under the Collection Development Policy.

 

Guidelines

The Library would love to take every item that you are willing to donate, however, there are insurance requirements and a need to check for product recalls.

 

The Library will only take items that:

• are clean and in good usable condition

• include at least one working battery and/or charger (for battery-powered tools)

• are a known brand - this will enable us to do product safety searches and also find a manual (if not donated with the item)

• are able to fit in a vehicle (for patrons to transport)

 

We are unable to accept the following items:

• electrical items more than 5 years old, broken or poor quality equipment

• equipment with missing parts or pieces

• high-risk tools like chainsaws or grinders or anything that requires a safety guard

• items with foreign power plugs

• liquids, adhesives, caulks, paint, or petroleum products/petrol powered items

• child restraint seats, cots, baby baths, traveling cots, sleeping bags, etc.

• senior aids/hospital/medical equipment and items such as crutches, walking sticks, walkers, etc.

 

We reserve the right to turn away, redistribute, or discard anything we can’t use, easily repair, or store easily.

 

Our wanted items:

• Arts and crafts tools

• Entertainment and outdoor games

• Toddler toys

• Juvenile and teen games, including board games and puzzles

 

The Library reserves the right to change this policy at any time.

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Approved by the Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield Board of Trustees on 07/26/2021. Revised on 5/19/2025.