As you can see, exploration of small libraries and their collections can yield some big returns. The examples described above don't begin to paint the picture of the types of eclectic materials you might find in a small library's collection. In addition, though, don't overlook the opportunity to visit libraries of all sizes in different parts of the country. While attending the NGS in Denver a few years ago, I made time to visit the Denver Public Library. I knew it had a large genealogical collection, but was most surprised to find heavy concentrations of genealogical materials for Southern states, including a full set of the journals of the Northwest Georgia Historical and Genealogical Society.
Most libraries have a finite amount of space and have difficulty accepting donated materials.
Sometimes books and papers donated by an individual must be disposed of in some fashion either because there isn't space to accommodate the materials or because the items have little or no relevance to the customer population the library serves. Some libraries try to find a home for the materials with other libraries, but this requires that the library staff have the time to perform this task. In other cases, the library may try to liquidate books as part of a book sale. Unfortunately, some of the materials may simply find their way into the trash. While this runs contrary to the grain of most library employees, it is usually a matter of simple necessity.