Many times, the RMPL will be approached by individuals or families that have recently either inherited or found, while rummaging through family heirlooms, a stamp collection. Not being stamp  collectors themselves, they are not sure what to do with the collection. If you find yourself in this situation, here is a document that hopefully answers your questions.

The RMPL is a privately funded public library, open to all who are interested in stamp collecting. It is through donations to the RMPL that the Library can fund its many areas of philatelic interest and remain open to the general public. 

The RMPL is a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity and is eligible to receive tax-deductible donations.  Donors may deduct the fair market value (FMV) of their gift as a charitable contribution on their income tax return. For tax purposes, fair market value is defined as “the price a collector would pay if buying the material for his or her own collection”, not the “price a dealer might offer if buying the material for resale.” Although we are not allowed to put a value on goods donated to us, we can recommend knowledgeable appraisers in the Denver area who will evaluate your donation and give you an estimate of its fair market value. We strongly encourage all donors to consult their tax advisor for the specific rules regarding charitable contributions.

We accept donations of stamps, albums, accumulations, postal stationary, first day covers, philatelic literature, supplies, and other items of philatelic interest.  Books and other materials that we can use are added to our collections.   Other items are sold through the library, on eBay, and in public auctions.  Proceeds from the sale of donated items are used to support the RMPL and to promote and help facilitate the pursuit of stamp collecting as a hobby at all levels.

In addition to philatelic material, the RMPL welcomes donations of cash, stocks and bonds, and goods that can be used in the operation of the facility.  If you aren’t sure whether a donation is needed, please call us and ask.  If you would like to support the library but aren’t ready yet to donate, consider including the RMPL in your will.

The RMPL welcomes donations during regular business hours or by appointment for larger donations.

Please download the full donation policy here.

Please submit all donations along with the Donation Form that can be found  here.

Donations may be targeted to several different RMPL programs. 

• The Scholarship Fund
• The RMPL Postal History Museum
• The Video Production Program
• For the general support of the RMPL