Light the Lamp of Knowledge Program

Our Objective

To establish dedicated funding through the creation of a Six Million Dollar Endowment Fund, so that our operating budget is derived from interest accrued on the Fund, and from applications for grants and donations, that can support progressive and expansionary projects.

Patrons who donate $100.00 or more will select a book from among the 60,000 volumes in the Library's collection. That book will be adorned with a customized Light the Lamp of Knowledge bookplate, bearing the image shown here, and noting the donor's name or an "In Memory of" or "In Celebration of" dedication. When all 60,000 volumes have received bookplates, the Library will have reached its goal of a Six Million Dollar endowment.

A large Patrons Book in the Library's Manhattan branch will be filled with the names of Light the Lamp of Knowledge donors. Donors will receive acknowledgement letters, including the bookplate graphic and the author, title, and call number of their chosen book. Patrons donating more than $100.00 may select additional books in increments of $100.00 per book.

Donations will support:

• existing staff salaries
• purchase of new books and artifacts
• conservation/preservation of books, artifacts and manuscripts
• continued digital conversion of archival material
• expansion of the Library's on-line Virtual Museum
• maintaining access to the Library's on-line catalogue
• expansion of services and staff.

Your support will provide greater physical and electronic access to the Library, so that Freemasonry can be studied, interpreted, understood and appreciated by Masons and by non-Masonic scholars and others who desire the opportunity to learn about our Craft.

Can I select any book in the Library's collection?

Yes. You may select your favorite title, or your favorite author of Masonic history, symbolism, philosophy, or any other book on our shelves. The Library's collection includes individual lodge histories, biographies of famous Freemasons, leadership training guides, as well as books on related subjects such as architecture, religious history, esoteric studies, history of fraternal orders, world history, and many other subjects. You may consult the Library staff for assistance in selecting a book, or search our catalogue on-line.

Should I select a circulating or non-circulating book?

It's up to you. Circulating books are borrowed and tend to be seen and read by many patrons. Non-circulating books are used for reference within the Library, and tend to show less wear. Every title in our collection has at least one copy which always remains in the Library. We only lend books published after 1920.

What if I want my bookplate in all copies of a single title?

The Library maintains multiple copies of each edition of a title, so selecting every copy of a single title in our collection may involve a sizeable donation, but we will assist patrons in seeing that their wishes are met.

What if I don't select a specific title?

The Library Director will select a random title, beginning with books in the Library's Reading Course Program. Your bookplate will be applied to one of these copies.

Do I have to be a Mason to donate?

The Library is grateful for the support of our Masonic and non-Masonic patrons. Anyone who wishes to help us achieve our goal can participate in the Light the Lamp of Knowledge program.

What if I want to make an anonymous donation?

Please clearly tell the Library that you do not want public acknowledgement. We will select a random title and add a bookplate reading, "From a Generous Patron." We will not add your name to our Patrons Book, nor credit you in our Annual Report. We will still send you a letter of acknowledgement unless you request otherwise.

It is understood that placement of a bookplate in no way implies patron ownership or rights to the book. All books will remain the property of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, F&AM, or the Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library of Grand Lodge, and will remain subject to Library policies.

How do I sponsor a book?

You may contact the Library through the address, phone, or email address listed above, or you can download the order form through the link below.

• Program Brochure Page 1 - contains the Order Form (519KB .JPG image)
• Program Brochure Page 2 (686KB .JPG image)

Tax Information:

Masonic Brotherhood Foundation, Inc.
Tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code
Established May 1973
Federal Tax ID Number: please contact us to obtain number

©2006, The Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library of Grand Lodge. This page last updated 4/12/2008.