Bigelow Society

By remembering the Library in your estate plan or by creating a life income gift with the Library, you become a member of the Bigelow Society. The Library expresses its gratitude to members by organizing special events, tours and classes.

The Bigelow Society is named for John Bigelow, who became the first President of The New York Public Library when in 1895, the Samuel Tilden Trust merged with the private Astor and Lenox Libraries to form The New York Public Library as we know it today. Mr. Bigelow held a steadfast commitment to the idea of a free library, in this spirit, we recognize the generosity and vision of donors who help to secure the Library’s future by making planned gifts. There is no minimum gift to become a member of the Bigelow Society; simply inform the Library that you have:

named the Library as the beneficiary of a bequest in your Will (sample language is available).
made a contribution to the Library for which you receive lifetime income in return.
made a contribution to the Library for a period of years, after which the assets return to your family.
assigned to the Library a bank, brokerage, or retirement account or a life insurance policy.

As a member of the Bigelow Society, you will receive:

an invitation to our Annual Tea held each Spring.
subscriptions to Library donor publications and the Library's Annual Report (your gift will be acknowledged in these publications).
invitations to the gala Holiday Open House, exhibition previews, and other events.

Read what Bigelow Society members have to say about their support of the Library.

Joe and Lenore Scott

For more information about any of these planned gift options or the Bigelow Society, please contact the Planned Giving Staff.