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Leave a legacy

Your Library. Your Legacy. Your Lasting Impact.

Thank you for considering a gift in your will to The Linen Hall Library. Your generosity can help shape the future while preserving the past.

Founded in 1788, The Linen Hall is Belfast’s oldest library, a haven for radical ideas, rare treasures, and curious minds. For over two centuries, we’ve safeguarded knowledge, sparked imagination, and provided a space for all voices to be heard. With your legacy, we can continue that mission for generations to come.

“I have chosen to remember the Linen Hall in my will because it has always been more than a library to me – it is a place of history, learning, and community. 

“The Linen Hall safeguards our shared heritage while also providing a welcoming space where people can read, discover, and connect. 

“By leaving a gift, I know I am helping to preserve this unique institution for future generations, ensuring that its collections, its spirit of independence, and its role in Belfast’s cultural life will endure long after I am gone. 

“The Linen Hall is special because it belongs to everyone. My legacy gift is a way of making sure its doors stay open for those who come after me.”

Member of The Linen Hall, Mr Gavin Adams 

“No institution in Northern Ireland has done more to promote enlightenment and represent a better future for all our citizens.”

Seamus Heaney, Nobel Laureate

Why Leave a Legacy?

By leaving a gift to The Linen Hall, you help us to:

 

  • Protect and conserve our unique historical archives and collections.
  • Deliver engaging exhibitions and events that bring culture to life.
  • Champion learning and access, supporting research and education.
  • Nurture creativity, free expression, and community in the heart of Belfast.

 

Your gift, no matter the size, will have a powerful and lasting impact.

Ways to Leave a Gift

There are several types of legacy gifts you can consider:

  • Residuary Gift: A percentage or the remainder of your estate, after other gifts have been distributed
  • Pecuniary Gift: A fixed sum of money
  • Specific Gift: A personal item such as a rare book, artwork, or object aligned with our mission

 

As a registered charity, any gift to The Linen Hall is exempt from Inheritance Tax, making this a tax-efficient way to support a cause you care deeply about.

Legacy giving can be an extremely powerful tool for reducing or even eliminating inheritance tax (‘IHT’).  UK-registered charities are exempt from IHT so a gift to a charity in your will reduces the taxable value of your estate.  Leaving a gift of 10% or more of your estate can reduce the rate of IHT payable on your estate from 40% to 36% per cent.

It is advised that Individuals should always seek professional advice in relation to tax matters.

We’re Here to Help

Writing or updating your will is an important step. If you’re thinking of including The Linen Hall, we would be honoured to support you. We offer:

  • A confidential, no-obligation conversation with our team
  • Guidance on gift options

 

Let Your Legacy Live On

Your gift could help light the way for future readers, researchers, artists, and dreamers ensuring The Linen Hall remains a cultural cornerstone for centuries to come.

 

Get in Touch

To have a confidential conversation, or to let us know if you’ve already included The Linen Hall in your will:

 

The Linen Hall Library
Preserving the past. Inspiring the future.

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