Adopt-a-Book

The Smithsonian Libraries and Archives’ Adopt-a-Book program allows you to commemorate an occasion, celebrate a milestone, honor an achievement, or leave a legacy for a loved one while providing essential funding which supports conservation, acquisition, and digitization of books, manuscripts, and archival materials held by the the world's largest museum libraries and archives system.

Adopt a Book Today!

Your adoption supports the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives by helping us:

  • Build our collection and provide more research resources for users around the world
  • Preserve treasures for future generations through conservation (learn more about preservation here and here)
  • Make materials available through digitization, bringing knowledge to curious minds everywhere


When you adopt, you will be acknowledged with:

  • A virtual bookplate in our online catalog
  • An adoption certificate and information sheet about your item
  • On a physical bookplate in your selected item


If you would like to adopt in honor of or in memory of someone, please indicate this during your adoption. All Adopt-a-Book donations are tax-deductible. Donors will receive a gift acknowledgment from the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives Advancement Office and a tax receipt from the Smithsonian Institution. 

Adopt a Book Today!

We truly appreciate your generosity and your ongoing support of the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives.

For additional information, please contact the Advancement Office at LibraryGiving@si.edu or 202.633.2241.

Books Available for Adoption   |   Adopted Books