Get your finances organized with the Library and Foundation!

Whomst among us is not trying to save money or figure out our taxes? Or, if you have a high school senior, struggled with the new FAFSA form? The library and the Foundation are here to help!

Let’s start with forms!

If you need help with you taxes, VITA is at The Santa Clara City Library, Central Park Branch on Tuesdays and Saturday through April 13. These are drop-in, first-come, first-serve sessions, so there’s no need to make an appointment before you show up. Take a look at the library’s website to figure out if you qualify for these sessions and if so, what forms to bring with you.

The new FAFSA form this year is notoriously difficult. The Library is hosting an information and help session on Wednesday March 20 from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. This is again a drop-in, first-come, first-serve session. Bring your questions and get hands-on help!

Use the Library’s resources

Obviously, you know the library has loads of books and movies and music to check out to keep you entertained and educated for free. But the library also has an extensive lending library of non-media objects. Things like hiking poles or stud locators or a 360 camera. You might be able to use something without buying it – or to try it out before buying your own!

Get your donations in order

As the Foundation, we want to make you donating to us fast and easy. You know you can make a cash donation at any time. But there are other ways to donate that might make more sense for your cash flow or for your tax situation.

First, most people make their donations annually in one lump sum. But did you know you can set up monthly giving? This might be easier on your finances than making a larger lump sum all at once – it can be better for you to donate $10 every month than $120 once a year. Just hit the Donate button on any page of our website and select a monthly donation.

Second, you may get a tax benefit from donating either stock – which we can accept easily – or from donating a vehicle you no longer want. Visit our donation page to find out the specifics about how to make a non-cash donation to the Foundation and Friends!

Fill out your bookshelves

Obviously we are always going to encourage you to buy books from us. You can get gently used books to fill out your bookshelves at home, school, or work inexpensively.

But we do want to let you know that in our Friends of the Library Bookstore at Central Park Library, you can get 3 books for only $5. This is a great deal if you want books to keep at home!

The Library and the Foundation are here to help you figure out your finances!