Joseph T. Simpson Public Library Endowment Fund

Library Mission

Joseph T. Simpson Public Library is a community center for learning and leisure. 

Joseph T. Simpson Public Library Endowment Fund

The Joseph T. Simpson Public Library’s Endowment Fund was established in 2011 as part of the library’s 50th Anniversary Celebration.

Public libraries are true community centers, offering free public access to resources. Your generosity will make a valuable contribution to the continued excellence of the Joseph T. Simpson Public Library.

A gift to the library is a gift to the entire community. Will you join us in creating a funding source that will make an investment in the future of our community?

Simpson Endowment Fund Brochure (PDF, 235KB, 2 pages)

About the Joseph T. Simpson Public Library

The Joseph T. Simpson Public Library is a 501 (c)3 organization established in 1961 to provide library services to residents of the Mechanicsburg area. The library offers a wide variety of educational and recreational classes, events, and programs for all ages. In 2018, more than 3000 programs were held with over 35,000 people attending.

The library has over 110,000 items in its collection and loaned items more than 537,000 times in 2018. More than 205,000 people visit the library every year.

The library also provides an array of computer services including high speed Internet access, Wi-Fi access, electronic databases for research, and Microsoft Office software.

Why should I make a gift to the Endowment Fund?

An endowment is a permanent fund that provides income each year to support the library. A gift to the Joseph T. Simpson Public Library Endowment Fund will help provide resources for future generations of library users.

Each year, the income will be used exclusively for the benefit of the library. The principle will never be used, thereby guaranteeing the perpetuity of the fund. A perpetual contribution to knowledge -- that is a very powerful gift.

The Joseph T. Simpson Public Library has grown tremendously since its beginning in 1961. From a tiny house in 1961, to a bigger house in 1962 with several additions, to a three-story grain warehouse in 1996 with an expansion in 2003, the Simpson Library continues to grow and expand its services to our community.

An endowment provides essential stability, grows over time, and is a permanent source of funding to help meet both current and future needs.

Donor Recognition

Endowment gifts of $5000 or more will be included on our Endowment Fund Recognition Plaque listing the names of the donors but not the amount given.

How can I make a gift to the Endowment Fund?

There are many types of charitable gifts from the modest to the substantial. No gift is too small. Joseph T. Simpson Public Library Endowment Fund welcomes annual donations, pledges, memorials, and tribute gifts as well as planned gifts.

Planned giving - Bequest through a will or trust

Your will or trust can designate that a specific amount be transferred as a gift to the Joseph T. Simpson Public Library Endowment Fund. You may give a percentage of your estate or the residue after other terms of the will have been satisfied.

A planned gift is a charitable donation that you plan now, but is not received by the library until later. It is a commitment to the library made in a bequest through a will, trust, or life insurance policy or some other arrangement. If you have made such a commitment, please notify the library. Such a designation may reduce your estate taxes. Check with your attorney.

Gifts of cash or appreciated securities such as stocks or bonds.

When you make a significant gift outright, you have the joy of seeing your donation put to good use right away. You may receive an income tax deduction if you itemize on your tax return and may avoid capital gains tax. Check with your tax advisor.

Beneficiary designations

You may select to make a gift of life insurance, annuities, or IRA’s by naming the Joseph T. Simpson Public Library Endowment Fund as a beneficiary of your insurance policy.

What’s the EIN number?

The EIN (Employer Identification Number) for the Joseph T. Simpson Public Library is 23-1652343. You may need this number when setting up a planned gift.

Tax Benefits

A gift to the Joseph T. Simpson Public Library Endowment Fund can provide substantial tax savings to the donor, which in effect reduces the cost of the gift.

  • Savings in income taxes by gifts of cash, securities, or property made during the fiscal year.
  • Savings in inheritance and gift taxes by bequests, gifts of life insurance, testamentary trusts for gifts, or living trusts.
  • Savings in capital gains taxes when gifts of appreciated securities or other property are made. 

Be sure to check with your tax advisor or attorney to see whether a gift of this type may be advantageous to you.

Is my gift tax deductible?

All contributions to the endowment are tax deductible. Will your employer match your contribution?

To whom should I make my check payable, and where should I send it?

Please make your checks payable to the Joseph T. Simpson Public Library and mail it to:

Joseph T. Simpson Public Library
16 N Walnut St
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

717-766-0171

The Library can also accept payments through PayPal and Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.

Who can I contact if I have any questions?

Sue Erdman, Executive Director

717-766-0171, ext. 233 or serdman@cumberlandcountylibraries.org

 


 

Page Updated

July 12, 2022