The decision to leave a gift to the Library is yours and we are extremely grateful for whatever you consider to be appropriate. Regarding the type of bequest, we recommend a residual gift in your will. This type of gift looks after your family and loved ones first, pays your debts and then whatever is left over is gifted to the Library.

Yes. If the specific items are intended for the Library’s collection then please contact us to confirm we can accept them.

If there is a specific item of personal property that you wish for us to sell to fund the work of the Library, then you need to specify in your will that you give the Library permission to sell the item to fund the work of the Library.

The National Library is registered as a Deductible Gift Recipient, which means donations made during your lifetime are tax deductible. Gifts in wills are exempt from Capital Gains Tax, but the estate may not claim a tax deduction for the gift.

The Library is honoured to have the trust and support of people like you. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference and is greatly appreciated.

Yes. We do accept gifts for specific use. To ensure your wishes are met, we invite you to contact us to discuss your intentions. Otherwise, we prefer unspecified gifts, so that the Library can invest the gift in the area of most need at the time it is received.

Yes. The Library encourages you to seek independent legal advice before including us in your will.

It is extremely important that you discuss with your family and loved ones your decision to leave a gift in your will. This will help ensure your wishes are carried out.

No. The Library cannot act as an executor for your estate. You can choose your bank, solicitor, friends or relatives. You should select between one and four people who will be able to ensure that your wishes are carried out.

We encourage you to inform the Library of your decision, so that we can thank you and ensure that your wishes can be met.

How you write a gift into your will depends on what kind of gift you wish to leave and whether you want it to be unrestricted or specific.

An unrestricted gift means that your gift can be used for the Library’s priority needs at its discretion. A specific gift means that you set requirements that the Library will need to meet so that the gift can be accepted.

Below are some suggested words you can use to leave an unrestricted gift to the Library in your will:

Leaving us the residue/a percentage/a specific amount of your estate

‘I give [proportion of estate or dollar amount or the residue of my estate] free of all taxes to the National Library of Australia, Parkes, in the Australian Capital Territory, for its use and benefit absolutely.’

Leaving us an asset

‘I give [clearly describe item, work of art, manuscript etc.] free of all taxes to the National Library of Australia, Parkes, in the Australian Capital Territory, for its use and benefit absolutely.’

Leaving us an asset and the residue/a percentage/a specific amount of your estate

‘I give [proportion of estate or dollar amount or residue of my estate or clearly described item] to [names of primary beneficiaries] but if [all primary beneficiaries] predecease me, then to the National Library of Australia, Parkes, in the Australian Capital Territory. This gift to the Library will be free of all taxes.’

Specific gift wording

For specific gifts, we are happy to discuss with you the wording to include in your will to ensure that your gift can be fulfilled.

The Library is grateful for all gifts, of all sizes, and we are honoured that you are considering including a gift to the Library in your will.

Including a gift in your will is an important decision, which is why we encourage you to speak with your loved ones about your intentions.

If you decide to include a gift in your will, this short guide will explain what needs to be done to make your wishes clear.

Making a will can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. This step-by-step process will help you along the way.

Step 1: Speak to your family and loved ones

This is a personal decision for you to make, but we recommend letting your loved ones know that you are planning to leave the National Library of Australia a gift in your will.

Step 2: Decide what kind of gift to leave

There are four main ways to make a gift in your will to the Library.

1. A residual bequest

You can make a gift of the residue (or remainder), or a percentage of the residue, of your estate once specific gifts and expenses have been taken care of.

2. A percentage of your estate

You can leave a percentage of your estate to the Library. The amount you gift will be contingent upon the value of your estate.

3. A specified amount

You can make a specific bequest by simply stating the dollar amount in your will that you wish to leave to the Library.  

4. An asset

You may wish to make a gift of a specific asset, for example real estate, shares or bonds.

If you wish to donate items to the Library’s collection, or have a specific use for your gift in mind, please contact us so that we can confirm whether we can accept the item(s) and/or terms of the gift.

Step 3: Choose your executor

You should select between one and four people who will be able to ensure your wishes are carried out. You can choose your bank, solicitor, friends or relatives. The Library cannot act as an executor for your estate. For further advice you can speak with your solicitor or get in touch with your local public trustee.

Step 4: Get the help of a professional

Your will is an important legal document, and a solicitor or public trustee can help you ensure that your paperwork is in order and presented in the right way. The cost of seeing a solicitor varies depending on who you see, however it is a small price to pay for the reassurance that your wishes will be carried out.

Step 5: Making your will

Your will must be in writing (handwritten, printed or typed) and include specific wording. It must be signed and dated on every page. Your signature must be witnessed by two people who are not named as beneficiaries of your estate. They both need to sign their own name on every page of your will. Your solicitor will be able to assist you with this.

Step 6: Keep your will in a safe place

Store your will in a safe place and let your executor know where it’s stored. You can lodge it with a bank in a ‘safe custody’ envelope or with a solicitor. You may want to send a copy to major beneficiaries, family members and your executor. Be sure to keep a copy for yourself.