Bequests and Donations

The Alexander Turnbull Library is a wonderful national institution serving the needs of both the general public and dedicated scholars working in historical, literary, cultural and genealogical studies. We invite you to consider supporting the Library’s vital work through a bequest or donation to the Friends of the Turnbull Library.

How Your Support Makes a Difference

The generosity of donors has made a huge contribution to the growth of the Library since Alexander Turnbull’s original bequest of 55,000 books and other items. Your support helps fund special projects, research grants, acquisitions, and preservation work that keeps New Zealand’s documentary heritage accessible for future generations.

Ways to Support the Library

Financial Donations and Bequests

All substantial contributions are invested to preserve the capital, with only the interest used to carry out special projects. This ensures your gift continues supporting the Library’s work in perpetuity.

How to donate:

  • Transfer funds to our BNZ account: 02-0534-00436700-00
  • Use your NAME in ‘Particulars’ and ‘DONATE’ as ‘Reference’
  • Email your details to our Membership Secretary at turnbullfriends@gmail.com

Or complete the form below

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Gifts in Kind

The Library accepts gifts that meet its acquisition criteria, including items of historical value such as books, documents, paintings, drawings, family papers, and photographs. Contact the relevant curator or the Turnbull’s Chief Librarian using the Ask a Librarian service on the National Library website.

Research Grant Support

Consider making a substantial donation to help increase our annual research grant, which supports scholars researching in the Library’s collections. Member generosity enabled us to increase this grant to $20,000 in 2020.

Alexander Turnbull Centennial Fund – Established in 1985 to support special acquisitions and projects.

Established Funds

ATL Endowment Fund – Began with a bequest from David Bilbrough (1997-8) and has grown through bequests from Bill Secker (2005), Margery Walton (2007), and a 2014 donation from Margery Renwick in memory of W L (Bill) Renwick.

Tax Benefits

The Friends of the Turnbull Library has been registered with Charities Services since 2008 (CC22660), confirming our eligibility to issue tax-deductible receipts for charitable donations.

Your support helps preserve New Zealand’s documentary heritage for current and future researchers, ensuring the Alexander Turnbull Library continues its vital work as guardian of our nation’s memory.