Gifts and Memorials

A gift of knowledge. A gift of compassion. Patterson Library has opened its doors and welcomed the community for 116 years thanks to the generosity of people who care about equality, learning, culture, and quality of life in Westfield. Hannah W. Patterson, our founder, had the foresight and understanding to know that a great public library improves lives. Every year we receive gifts and memorials that ensure we can continue our commitment to providing the programs, services, and materials that our community members need.

An investment in the community. Every dollar donated to Patterson Library is returned to the community many times over. We turn small donations into big value and big donations into lasting legacies. Gifts and memorials donated to Patterson Library are investments in the community that have an immediate and lasting benefit to the people of Westfield.

A special tribute. A donation to the Patterson Library is a meaningful tribute to a special person in your life. We invite you to give a gift in memory of an individual or to honor  a special person. Occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays, or gratitude to an outstanding teacher, are perfect times to contribute to the Library. If you give a memorial or tribute, the Library will send an acknowledgement card to an individual or family of your choice. You will receive a separate acknowledgement of your donation.

Here’s how to make a donation
Giving is easy and tax-deductible. Your checks may be made payable to: “Patterson Library” and sent to 40 S. Portage St., Westfield, NY 14787.

For a memorial or tribute, please give the complete address of the individual to whom you wish the acknowledgement card to be sent. If the donation is used to purchase books, a book plate showing the donor’s name, along with the name of the person being remembered or honored, are placed in the front of the books.

Please tell us where you would like the money used:

1. Purchase library materials: children’s books, adult books, large print books, audio books, periodicals, or DVDs.
2. Support the Capital Fund for critical building improvements and/or equipment purchase.
3. Continue Hannah Patterson’s legacy with a gift to the Endowment. (download brochure)
4. Where it is needed most.

Other Ways to Give 
Bequests through a will. Sustain the Patterson Library by making a bequest. A bequest to the Patterson Library may reduce your estate taxes. Consult your estate planner for advice.

Charitable Remainder Trusts. Donors and heirs can receive payments from the trust for a number of years. When the trust ends, the assets pass to the Patterson Library. A trust may eliminate estate and capital gains taxes and may actually increase the assets reaching your heirs. Consult your lawyer or estate planner for advice.

For more information, download our brochure.

Book donations. The library also accepts gifts of materials but reserves the right to evaluate and to dispose of them in accordance with the materials selection policy. Gifts of books that do not accord with the library’s objectives and policies will be sold at the library’s book sale.

Questions? Call 326-2154 for more information.

Give Online with a Credit Card 
Click below.  You do not need a paypal account!