Ways to Give
Support the Library
Join our supporters today!
Donations & Gifts
As intended by one of the library’s founders Virginia Marquand Monroe, Pequot Library is “free as air to all.” Anyone may check out items from the circulating book collection; have access, by appointment, to our Special Collections of rare books, manuscripts, and archives; visit an exhibition; and attend programs for all ages. All of this and more is available to our community without charging fees or requiring membership dues.
As an association library, Pequot Library is a private nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization that relies on private donations and annual support from the Town of Fairfield. Foundation grants, businesses, and corporate sponsors, special event fundraisers, and individual donors like you enable us to offer library services and education programs for free to little cost, year after year. Your support makes a big difference.
We are grateful to our annual fund supporters and pleased to offer special benefits to the Friends of Pequot Library for one year from the date of your donation. Donations to Pequot Library are tax-deductible. Please scroll down to read about the donation levels.
Pequot Library is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our federal tax identification number is 06-0672790.
Annual Giving
Your annual donation enables the Library to carry out its mission of enriching lives by serving the cultural, educational, and intellectual needs of the entire community.
We are grateful to our annual fund supporters and pleased to offer special benefits to the Friends of Pequot Library for one year from the date of your donation.
Book Donations
Help support Pequot Library by donating your gently used books, LPs, original CDs and DVDs, comic books, and other book materials.
Friends of Pequot Library
Benefits for the Friends of Pequot Library vary by giving level.
Individual | $50
- Access to the Library’s Blog
- Subscription to the Library’s bi-monthly e-newsletter, Digital Digest
- Invitations to in-person and virtual programs and events
- Invitation to Library’s Annual Meeting in October
Individual PLUS* | $100
All of the above benefits, plus:
- Opportunity to join the Young Patrons Group*
- Invitation to a preview of a Special Collections exhibition
- Name included in the Library’s Annual Report
- Subscription to the quarterly program brochure, Under the Arches
Dual/Family* | $250
All of the above benefits, plus:
- Priority appointments with the Special Collections and Archives
- Invitations to special children’s story hours and YA reading circles
- Invitation to Summer Book Sale Preview Party
Contributor | $500
All of the above benefits, plus:
- Recognition with a bookplate in a new book acquisition for the circulating collection
- Invitations to private behind-the-scenes Special Collections tours and lectures
Patron | $1,000
All of the above benefits, plus:
- Advance invitations to off-site tours and day trips, as available
- Invitation to annual private major donor appreciation reception
Mary Catherine Hull Wakeman Society | $2,500
All of the above benefits, plus:
- Pequot Library gift bag/bundle
- Annual recognition in the Library’s entryway/vestibule
- Advance invitations to private collections and other exclusive special events/programs, as available
Elbert and Virginia Marquand Monroe Guild | $5,000
All of the above benefits, plus:
- Priority seating at on-site special events and programs, upon request
- Discount on venue rental during Library hours. (Restrictions may apply and may affect IRS donation value. Please contact the Development
- Office for more information)
- VIP parking at Library’s special events and programs, upon request
Founders Circle | $10,000
All of the above benefits, plus:
- Featured acknowledgement in the annual report
- Access to the Library for an after-hours (1x/year) private reception (Attendance is limited, restrictions may apply, may affect IRS donation value, and all costs associated with the event are the responsibility of the Founders Circle member. Please contact the Development Office for more information)
- Name recognition on the title wall at a Special Collections exhibition of your choice.
*Young Patrons $100 single/couple or $250 family (Adults 49 and under)
- Opportunities for networking with Southport/Fairfield neighbors
- Annual Library behind-the-scenes tour
- Special recognition in the Annual Report
Other Ways to Give
By Check
You can donate to Pequot Library by mailing a check to 720 Pequot Avenue, Southport, CT 06890.
Monthly Giving
Make a financial contribution in an automated, low impact way each month. Just click “Recurring donation” in the Give Now form below.
Matching Gifts
Ask your employer if they do matching gifts today! Securing a matching gift from your employer is a great way to enhance the impact of your donation.
Transfer Securities
Pequot Library welcomes gifts in the form of securities. If you wish to transfer securities, please call (203) 259-0346 ext. 125 or email development@pequotlibrary.org for instructions.
IRA Distribution
By making a QCD (Qualified Charitable Distribution) from your IRA, which represents a current gift to the Library and can be counted towards making your RMD (Required Minimum Distribution), you are also eligible to become a member of The 1889 Society by contributing to the Library in this way. Please consult with your tax advisor.
Give to Pequot
Planned Giving at Pequot Library
The 1889 Society
The 1889 Society recognizes and honors friends and patrons who have made a commitment to the future of Pequot Library by including the library in their estate plans. The society is named for the year of the Association’s incorporation.
You can become a Society member by:
- Making a gift to Pequot Library in your will or trust
- Naming Pequot Library as a beneficiary of a retirement plan or life insurance policy
- Promising a collection gift that Pequot Library has agreed to accept
- Making a QCD (Qualified Charitable Distribution) from your IRA, which represents a current gift to the Library and can be counted towards making your RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) if you are over the age of 73. *Please consult with your tax advisor.
As a member of The 1889 Society you will
- Receive invitations to several special events, including behind-the-scenes library tours, receptions and lectures.
- Receive an individually selected book annually as a token of our appreciation.
- Be listed in Pequot Library’s Annual Report (with your permission).
We hope that you will become a member of The 1889 Society. For more information, please contact us. Your inquiry is confidential and places you under no obligation.