Book Donations

We invite scholars to consider donating books from their personal libraries. We are especially interested in collections developed in the fields of Biblical Studies and Theology, but also in the related fields of Jewish Studies, Classics, Ancient History and Philosophy, Philology, and Ancient Archaeology.

Scholars acquire many different types of materials over the course of their professional careers: books, periodicals, and offprints in their fields of specialization and related areas. They also receive complimentary copies of books—examination copies—from publishers as well as books for review. Scholarly literature in all of these forms can be of great benefit to the libraries. We also urge scholars to donate copies of books and articles that they have recently published.

Those interested in donating larger collections, either entire libraries or individual sections of libraries, are asked to contact anyone affiliated with the St. Petersburg and Sofia libraries, any member of the SNTS Eastern European Liaison Committee, or any of the officers or members of the Executive Committee of SNTS.

Ideally, potential donors should consult the electronic catalogs of both libraries to determine areas of overlap and need. It is advisable to submit a list of the items being considered for donation, arranged by author’s surname and short title. This enables the respective library directors or members of their staff to determine possible areas of overlap or to identify duplicate volumes. Once this evaluation is made, a library representative will contact the potential donor to discuss which books are needed and to give information about shipping and tax-exemption.

Generally, it is best to send small parcels of books by surface mail (when possible), marked as “printed matter.” This allows the sender to obtain lower rates of postage. Donors are asked not to send small parcels by “registered mail” or “certified mail,” since thus is more expensive and usually more complicated. The parcels should be designated as “gifts” on any forms accompanying shipment. They should be assigned a maximum value of $50.