Giving to The Cooper Union Library

As we embark on a new academic year—once again on campus and in-person—we are more grateful than ever for the generous support we receive from alum and friends like you.

When you make a gift to The Cooper Union Library, you become a stakeholder and a partner in the success of every Cooper Union student and faculty member. Your support enables us to provide the resources that educate, inform, and inspire.

Moreover, your help ensures that we continue our commitment to collect, preserve, and make accessible the rich history of this storied institution, its founder, Peter Cooper and his family. 

Consider becoming a Friend of The Cooper Union Library or simply make a donation. 

Each and every gift is greatly appreciated and makes an important difference. 

With sincerest thanks,

Lisa Norberg, Library Director

Donating

Donors contribute significantly to strengthening the collections and fulfilling the mission of The Cooper Union Library through their financial support and their gifts of books, manuscripts, and other library materials, which are an indispensable resource for the teaching and research activities of The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art.

Library staff will evaluate potential gifts in terms of institutional value and consider whether materials support the collection development goals for a particular subject area when assessing a gift.

Please note:

• When the staff accepts a gift, it becomes the property of The Cooper Union Library.  
• The Cooper Union Library reserves the right to determine whether the gift will be retained, where it will be located and how it will be cataloged and circulated.

Income Tax Deductions

• As a donor you may be entitled to an income tax deduction within Internal Revenue Service regulations.
• As required by law, you must establish the fair market value of an item contributed to a charity, but a formal appraisal is not always necessary. Appraisals must be done before the gift is transferred to the library.
• You must file IRS Form 8283 if you claim a deduction for non-cash gifts totaling more than $500 within a calendar year. If your gift is valued at more than $5,000, you must get an appraisal by a qualified independent appraiser.
• The Cooper Union Library does not provide appraisals to donors.
• The Cooper Union Development Office will sign IRS Form 8283 for the college and send you the official receipt for IRS purposes.
• Where tax considerations are involved, you may wish to consult your personal attorney or tax advisor.