books library donations

Book Donation Programs: Home

• Seeking Book Donations
• International Donations
• Ebook Donations
• Donating to Prison Libraries
• Selling or Valuing Your Books

General Information

Please be aware that the American Library Association does  not  accept, distribute, or coordinate donations of books or any other materials. This Guide provides information on some of the groups and organizations that  do  handle book donations - including donations of used books.

Book and Magazine Donations

This is a selective listing of some of the groups and organizations that accept book and magazine donations. There are many, many worthwhile groups, many of them with a more local scope. To find them, try a web search  for < book donations > or < magazine donations >.

Groups and organizations are named for informational purposes only .

• B-Logistics B-Logistics is the library service division of Discover Books, a large buyer and seller of good quality used books withdrawn from libraries.
• Better World Books - Donate Your Books Books are sold online to help raise funds for non-profit literacy organizations changing the world through teaching kids, supporting families, building schools and filling libraries. Any books that aren't are either donated directly to a non-profit partner or recycled.
• Books for Kids The Books for Kids Build-a-Home-Library Program strives to accomplish a “print-rich environment” in the homes of the children that we serve at our library sites.
• Bridge of Books Foundation - New Jersey area Provides an ongoing source of books to underserved children throughout New Jersey in order to support the development of literacy skills and encourage a love of reading.
• Kids Need to Read Works to create a culture of reading for children by providing inspiring books to underfunded schools, libraries, and literacy programs across the United States, especially those serving disadvantaged children.
• Magazine Harvest Recycles clean, gently read magazines and comics to new readers. Bundles of recycled publications are prepared by local volunteer teams to meet needs sent in by literacy programs, such as food pantries, homeless and domestic violence shelters, youth mentoring and job training programs, foster care, and teachers for at-risk readers.
• Reader to Reader Inc. A 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to bringing books, free of charge, to under-resourced school libraries and public libraries across the United States.
• Savers Acceptis items on behalf of local nonprofits.
• Vietnam Veterans of America Used books make a big difference in the lives of America’s Veterans and their families.
• Zubal Books - Sell Your Books Accepts scholarly, rare, and hard to find books and published matter.

Unusual places to donate books

Most places that accept donated new or used books will NOT accept sets of encyclopedias or other categories of books. Rather than simply putting these out for recycling, you can try thinking outside of the box and see if some more unusual places will accept your donation. Here are a few suggestions:

• local theaters (for stage props)
• arts and crafts locations
• ski resorts
• preschools/childcare sites
• children's hospital
• nursing homes

ALA Library Fact Sheet 12

If you are seeking book donations, you may be eligible to apply for donations from the groups listed--or one of the agencies on the "Seeking Book Donations" tab.

Donating to your local library

If you have books to donate, first contact your local public library. Many libraries, or the Friends of the Library group, have regular book sales and welcome appropriate materials for resale.  Libraries typically have donation guidelines posted on their website, others you will need to contact by phone. Your local library can provide acceptable donation guidelines.

Most public libraries in the United States accept gift books with the proviso that the library is free to decide whether to keep the book in the library's collection, put it in a book sale to raise funds for the library, or discard it. By law, libraries cannot assign a dollar amount to your donation, though they may give you a receipt with an item count.  Donations may be tax deductible on your Federal or state tax return, but it is the donor's responsibility to assess the value (or seek a professional appraisal); consult your tax advisor.

If your collection includes rare or older items, you may wish to review the discussion, "Your Old Books," written by the Rare Books and Manuscripts Section of the Association of College and Research Libraries, a division of ALA.  It has useful pointers on what constitutes rare, instead of just old, and how to care for such a collection.

We also suggest contacting your state library, if your local library cannot accept your donation. Your local public library or an academic library in your area can supply you with the address and telephone number for your state library (often a toll-free call for in-state residents). 

• Institute of Museum and Library Services, State Libraries Listing of state library agencies, with interactive map of locations, and links to websites for each agency.
• Your Old Books Addresses some frequently asked questions about rare and older books and their values.

Helping U.S. Libraries After Disasters

The ALA Chapter Relations Office works with state and regional library associations to identify libraries that have lost collections due to fires or natural disasters.  For the most part, these libraries need funds to repair the facility and to rebuild the collection in a way that meets the local collection development needs. Once the initial recovery period is past, the library may seek specific donations or set up a "wishlist" with a vendor, such as Amazon.

To help, review the needs on the Chapter Relations Office page, or contact your local public library to find out any available opportunities, including, if you're willing, donating the books for its next fundraising book sale.

• ALA - Helping United States Libraries After Disasters A continuously updated page from the ALA Chapter Resources Office.

General Guidelines for Donations

Rule of thumb: If you wouldn’t buy it or give it to a friend, think twice about donating it. Condition matters – if your items have any of the following issues, they usually won’t be accepted:

• Water damaged
• Damaged binding or pages
• Missing covers or pages
• Excessive writing, markings, or highlighting
• Cut out library treatments

In addition, many libraries will not accept Readers Digest Condensed Books, encyclopedias, National Geographics, workbooks and study guides, non-commercially produced media, or textbooks or professional materials more than 5 years old.

• Getting the Most from Donations Practical guidance for establishing donations policies for a public library.

Publishers looking to donate

If you are a publisher with overstock seeing to distribute to individual libraries, please first consider that individual libraries are responsible for their own collections. Each library decides if a book fits the needs of their patrons or not. It may be best to preface your book donation package with a query letter, asking individual libraries if they would *want* to place your book in their collections. Libraries are not in any way obliged to accept books that are sent to them. More to the point, libraries have selection policies, and if a book is not accepted into the collection, the library has the right to decide another fate for the book, including either selling it at a book sale or discarding it outright.  Check with the organizations listed for individual donations; some will accept bulk donations. 

• Association of American Publishers Book Donation Initiative Many publishing houses donate books to non-profit organizations. To encourage book donations, AAP maintains a list of 501(c)3 and international organizations that wish to receive donated books from American publishers.
• First Book First Book works with publishers of children's books to distribute new books to children in need.

Selling/Valuing Your Items

ACRL Code of Ethics for Special Collections Librarians states "Special collections librarians must not engage in any dealing or appraisal of special collections materials, and they must not recommend materials for purchase if they have any undisclosed financial interest in them." "Undisclosed financial interest" includes the potential of receiving the material as a  gift  to the library. By extension, librarians not working in special collection also decline to provide appraisals, but instead will offer reference assistance in locating a source for an external appraisal. The appraisal or establishment of an item’s value for tax purposes is the responsibility of the donor, as are appraisal costs. Donors should seek further information on valuation of donated property from the Internal Revenue Service and their own tax adviser or attorney; specifically, refer to IRS Publication 561 "Determining the Value of Donated Property."

• ACRL Code of Ethics for Special Collections Librarians Special collections librarians must exercise extreme caution in situations that have the potential to allow them to profit personally from library-related activities. The highest standard of behavior must be maintained, as propriety is essential to the maintenance of public trust in the institution and in its staff.
• The International League of Antiquarian Booksellers
• Determining the Value of Donated Property (IRS Pub.561)

Sources of appraisal information include

• AbeBooks.com
• American Book Prices Current
• The American Society of Appraisers (ASA)
• Appraisers Association
• BookFinder.com
• International Society of Fine Arts Appraisers
• Next: Seeking Book Donations >>
• Last Updated: Jun 23, 2022 4:27 PM
• URL: https://libguides.ala.org/book-donations

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Where to Donate Books: 15 Places to Donate Used Books

Have you been decluttering your bookshelves and now you’re wondering where to donate books? I’ve got good news for you—there are a lot of excellent places to donate used books! Check out the 15 locations below to decide exactly where you want to rehome the books you no longer want or need.

1. Your Local Library

Your local library is a great first place to consider when you’re wondering “Where can I donate books?” Each library has their own rules and guidelines, but many of them do accept library book donations!

How does this work? Well, before donating books to libraries you should be sure to check for donation guidelines on your library’s website or call to ask if they accept donations. Many libraries will be happy to accept your books even if the books won’t end up in circulation, as groups like the Friends of the Library can use donated books for their book sales!

So if you want to support the library system while donating used books you no longer need, then check with your local library to see if they accept book donations.

2. Little Free Library

Another fantastic place to donate your used books is to a Little Free Library near you. Little Free Library is a book sharing movement where people set up tiny libraries in neighborhoods, and then anyone can donate or take books from these little libraries for free.

So if you have extra books that you don’t want in your collection anymore, consider donating to a Little Free Library near you. You can check out the map of Little Free Libraries to find the closest ones to where you are!

3. Thrift Stores

When you’re wondering where to donate used books, one of the easiest options is to donate books to thrift stores. There are likely a lot of thrift stores near you, including some big thrift store chains and local places.

If you’re looking for large thrift store chains to donate to, you could consider Goodwill book donations, donating books to The Salvation Army , taking used books to AMVETS , and more. Alternatively, a quick google search for “local thrift stores” or “thrift stores near me” should turn up quite a few thrift stores in your area that would love to accept your used book donations!

4. Local Used Bookstores

Are you looking for places to donate books where you can also get something in exchange? If so, then you should definitely check into donating to local used bookstores in your area.

Used bookstores will often be happy to take your unwanted books off your hands…and in exchange they will give you store credit or sometimes even cash! This can be a great way to pass along books you no longer want, while getting a little bit of money in return to use on buying new books.

Not all used bookstores will give you credit for donating, but indie bookstores are usually pretty good about this and Half Price Books also offers you money back for donations. So check with the used bookstores in your area and see if they give credit for donating used books!

5. Online Used Book Stores

Online used bookstores are also an option for donating books, although it’s likely you won’t get credit in return. But you will get the satisfaction of rehoming your books instead of sending them to a landfill, as well as the satisfaction of knowing you are contributing to literacy programs around the world (since many online used bookstores donate portions of their proceeds).

A few online bookstores you might want to check into donating to are Better World Books and Discover Books . Both of these have book donation bins in various locations that you can use, so check out their pages to see if there are donation bins near you!

6. Places That Pick Up Books

If you’re wanting to donate books but looking for a book donation pick up service, then you’re in luck because there are a few places that do this!

One option is Pick Up Please , a service run by Vietnam Veterans of America that will be happy to pick up your used books. They offer this service in many different states across the US, so if they’re in your area then you can schedule a pickup today.

Another option is to check for more local services that will pick up your books. For instance, Re-Book It is a service run by The Last Bookstore that will pick up your books if you are in the Los Angeles area. I expect there are other bookstores around the US and the rest of the world that also offer similar services, so check on Google or ask your local bookstores/thrift stores if this is something they offer.

7. PaperBackSwap

Where can you donate books and get something in return? Well, besides local used bookstores, another option is to list books on PaperBackSwap .

PaperBackSwap is an online book swapping club where you can list the books you no longer want. Then, when someone wants one of the books you’ve listed, you send it to them and get credit to use to request a book that you want from anyone else on the site.

This isn’t an entirely free donation method, since you do have to pay for shipping (and a small fee to list books on the site). However, if you are wanting to get rid of some books while getting new-to-you titles that you haven’t yet read, then this can be a good donation method to try!

8. Church Groups

When you’re looking for where to donate old books you don’t want anymore, another great option is to donate to churches or church groups that hold sales from time to time. If a church near you is planning an upcoming rummage sale or the like, then you might consider donating books to them so they can use the proceeds for church needs or missionaries!

9. Retirement Homes or Nursing Homes

Wondering where to take used books? Another possibility is to donate them to retirement homes or nursing homes. Of course, like many of the donation options on this list, it can be a good idea to call ahead of time and ask about their donation guidelines. If you don’t call ahead, then they may not accept your donation! But this can be an excellent way to bless older people in your community by donating books for them to read.

10. Schools

Schools can also be a good place to choose for your book donations, particularly if you have a lot of children’s books you are giving away. You can check with your local schools to see if there’s anything they want or need, or if you prefer you can check with national organizations and nonprofits.

One nonprofit you might consider is Reader to Reader . This program donates millions of books to schools and public libraries, particularly in low-income areas. This is a great way to help spread the joy of reading through donating the books you no longer need!

11. Operation Paperback/Books For Soldiers

Another of the best places to donate books is to an organization that sends books to soldiers and military families. There are quite a few organizations that do this, but some of the most popular include Operation Paperback and Books for Soldiers . Check out their pages to find out how to donate your used books to these organizations!

12. Prison Book Programs

Have books you’re ready to donate? There are quite a few different book programs that send books to prisoners, which can be an excellent use of the books you’re ready to give a new home!

Prison Book Program is one of the most well-known of these organizations, but they also offer a list of various networks on their site in case they don’t serve the area you live in. Check out the network list to see if there’s somewhere near you where you can donate!

13. Buy Nothing

When you’re trying to decide what to do with unwanted books, another simple way to donate them is to list them in your local Buy Nothing group (or Freecycle ). The Buy Nothing project is a space where people in your local community can offer items they no longer want/need for free to anyone else in the community.

This can be an excellent place to list your books and give them to someone who will appreciate them, so find a group near you today !

14. Friends and Family

Of course, when donating your books you might also want to check with your friends or family first to see if you have any books they may want!

When I go through and try to declutter my books, I find it fun to try to think of who may appreciate or want a specific book I no longer want to keep. If I can think of a specific name, I set it aside for them!

Alternatively, you could just gather all the books you no longer want, snap a photo, and send it out to friends. Then anyone who wants a specific book in the photo can claim it! This is an easy way to clear our your unwanted books while bringing a smile to friends’ and family’s faces.

15. I Believe In Book Fairies

And lastly, another book donating option is to become a book fairy! The Book Fairies movement is a fun way to pass along books to others to read once you are done with them.

How does it work? Essentially, when you’re ready to give away a book you put an official “Book Fairy” sticker on it. This sticker reads “Take this book, read it, and leave it for the next person to enjoy.” Then you hide the book in a public place and a stranger can find it and enjoy reading it!

This is a unique way to pass along books you no longer want or need, while ensuring they will fall into the hands of people who will appreciate them. You can get official stickers here or create your own version to put inside your books before releasing them into the wild!

Want to sell your books instead of donating them? Check out these 13 amazing places to sell your books!

Save for Later

4 thoughts on “ Where to Donate Books: 15 Places to Donate Used Books ”

I make bookmarks and I want to donate along with my handmade cards, but I can’t find an organization that accepts hand made bookmarks. Can you help me?

Hi Linda! That’s so kind of you to want to donate bookmarks. I am not certain which organizations currently accept bookmarks, but it’s possible some of your local charities, hospitals, etc. would be interested. I recommend you reach out to local institutions in your area to see if they accept donations like these!

I have 50 or so books of my late wife’s i would love someone to have there are herb books novels and many others. I cant walk to good so they would have to come in my house and get them.

Hi Ken – That’s so kind of you to want to donate your wife’s books to someone who would want them. Hopefully you’re able to find a neighbor or someone nearby you who will be able to come get them and will love having them!

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Pickup Please collects your used books on behalf of the Vietnam Veterans of America. These donations support the VVA's mission of helping America’s veterans and their families. No matter how big or small, your donations are needed and appreciated. Just click the Schedule a Pickup button below, choose a date for your donation pickup, leave your clearly labeled donations outside on the day you choose, and our driver will pick up your donation – rain or shine!

Not only do your book donations through Pickup Please support US Veterans, they also support reading in general. Schools and families buy books for fun and education. Instead of throwing out your old books or recycling them, donate them so they can be read and enjoyed again.

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We accept the following kinds of books donations:

• Hardcover Books
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Just click the Schedule a Pickup button above to set up a FREE donation pickup at your home. Choose a date for your donation pickup, leave your clearly labeled donations on the day you choose, and our driver will pick up your donation – rain or shine!

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Schedule a donation pickup online with our easy to use scheduling form. Pick a day that works best for you.

Leave bags or boxes of your donated items outside your house on the designated day. Please label your items “Donation Pickup” so our driver will know what to pick up.

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The Free Books Project fosters positive experiences and connection in Camden and other New Jersey communities by improving literacy access.

Our Founder and Executive Director Tom Martin discovered an unmet need to read in Camden, NJ. Thanks to your support, what started as a folding table and some donated books from friends has grown into an active, multi-program effort and robust partnership with our community.

We bring books where They're needed and give them away!

 It’s our mission to improve access to literacy and connection for everyone—especially members of our community in marginalized or vulnerable areas. Through our various programs, we distribute books of all genres for all ages.

How You Can Help

There are so many ways to get involved, and we appreciate each and every one of you who do.

We rely on the generosity of community-minded individuals and businesses for support. Make a tax-deductible contribution or become a recurring patron on our Patreon. We accept most book donations and other supplies and can help coordinate easy drop-offs or pick-ups.

We’re always looking for volunteers to run PULs, steward Books Arks, or join our team at The Free Books Place. Volunteer as an individual or as a group and become a beacon of literacy in your community! We supply the books, suggest locations with greater need, and provide handy tips.

Above all else, we just love to see your face and hear your thoughts. Follow our socials, sign up for our newsletter, stop by a program location, or check out our blog  and  YouTube channel ! As equally important as donations and our boots-on-the-ground volunteers, those of you who spread the word about our amazing programs help more people get more books more often! 

Help Us Achieve Our Mission

“As we continue our work and strive to expand our efforts, every donation makes a difference, regardless of its size. Your generosity allows us to spread literacy by introducing our programs (such as our PULs, Book Arks, and The Free Books Place) to and creating partnership opportunities with more cities, more states—more readers.”

– Tom Martin, Executive Director

Checks made out to The Free Books Project can be mailed to P.O. Box 501, Collingswood, NJ 08108.

Contribute To Our Book Inventory

Our book inventory is entirely donated and includes both gently used and even new books. You give us books, and we give them away! The most in-demand genres are:

• Any and all books in Spanish
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• Children’s books
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• Dictionaries and thesauruses 
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• Sudoku, crossword, and other puzzle books
• Sports books

Have books to donate and want to confirm they’re appropriate for our inventory? Send us a message.

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Where to donate used books: 14 great places to make a positive impact.

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Picture this: You find yourself surrounded by an impressive collection of books, unsure of your next steps as you simply have no clue what to do with old books .

You can be a voracious bibliophile, a habitual book collector, or you can be just looking to declutter your room and make room for new reads, it’s apparent that donating your used books can be immensely rewarding.

In addition, donating books reduces waste and promotes sustainability by giving them a second life. As a result, instead of letting your books collect dust on shelves or, worse, become debris in a landfill, you’re extending their lifespan.

If you’re wondering what to do with all those gently used books that have brought you so much joy, then you’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ll explore some fantastic options for donating your pre-loved books, so stay tuned for some great insights and ideas!

1. Local Libraries

Commonly, local libraries warmly accept book donations, as they rely on community support to maintain their collections. Libraries are always in need of new materials to add to their collection, and your donated books can provide countless hours of discovery, knowledge, and inspiration to fellow book lovers. Before donating to a library, it’s helpful to ensure that the books are in good condition and to check if there are any specific requirements for donations. It’s prudent to reach out to your local library for details about their donation policies and any specific genres or types of books they are currently seeking.

2. Nonprofit Organizations

Nonprofit organizations are truly the unsung heroes when it comes to accepting book donations and ensuring that they reach communities in need. These book charities actively seek book donations to support literary initiatives and promote education. By donating your books to these organizations, you can truly make a global impact on literacy and education. If you’re eager to give your books a new home and contribute to a positive cause, be sure to explore our article featuring the top book charities in the US where you can make a meaningful donation.

Organize your books beforehand, sorting them by categories, to assist both yourself and the receiving nonprofit. While perfection isn’t mandatory, tidying up your books can go a long way. If your books have been sitting on the shelf for a while, consider giving them a quick dusting and wipe down before donating them. This shows that you value the donation and want to provide quality books to the organization.

3. Theaters

Have ever thought that many theaters actually welcome book donations? Whether it’s for their lobby displays or for actors to use as part of their character research, your donated books can find a new home in the creative world of theater. Imagine the joy of seeing your favorite stories inspire the next big performance! Besides, many theaters also have programs or partnerships with local libraries and schools to provide books for children and adults. That’s why donating your used books to theaters not only helps to champion literacy and education but also bolsters the performing arts. Should you find books awaiting new purpose, why not approach local theaters to see if they accept book donations?

4. Hospitals and Care Facilities

Books donated to hospitals and care institutions serve as balm and leisure for patients during their stay. Many patients and residents spend a significant amount of time within these establishments, so having some books at their disposal can help mitigate boredom and provide a sense of normalcy during challenging times. From glossy magazines, uplifting novels to an inspiring memoir and other reading materials, such content can provide a peaceful distraction and promote a sense of relaxation and comfort. Donations to these facilities should be thoughtfully chosen to cater to a vast audience and must be in favorable condition.

5. Schools and Educational Institutions

Schools and educational institutions, constantly aiming to enrich their student’s learning experiences, are yet another splendid go-to place for your previously enjoyed books. Children’s storybooks, educational resources, and age-appropriate literature are typically welcomed by schools. The act of donating used books to schools and educational institutions goes beyond simply getting rid of old books—it gifts the treasure of knowledge, sparking boundless imagination in students. When you donate books, you nurture the intellectual growth of young minds. Additionally, many schools often operate on constrained budgets, making it challenging for them to acquire a diverse range of reading materials. Your book donation can significantly enhance their literary collections that may otherwise be out of reach.

Literary works are potent: they can educate, entertain, and provide solace. Thus, donating books to prisons can have a profound effect. Access to diverse reading content is a rarity in prisons, and your books could become a priceless font of education and escapism for inmates. If you desire to aid prisons with your literature, it’s crucial to first check with the specific prison or correctional facility to understand their guidelines and restrictions. Many prisons have specific rules about the types of books they can accept, so it’s best to reach out to them directly or visit their website for more information. Some common guidelines include only accepting paperback books, no hardcover or spiral-bound books, and restrictions on certain genres or topics.

7. Online Platforms and Book Drives

Modern technology has birthed virtual platforms and book drives that offer convenient ways to donate used books. Websites such as BookMooch , BookCrossing , and PaperBackSwap streamline the book donation process, book exchanges, and online book swaps, connecting bookworms across the globe. Participating in or organizing local book drives can also rally community support and create a collective impact through book donations.

8. Churches

Churches often incorporate libraries or reading nooks where congregants and the community can borrow books. Offering your used books to a church supports educational enrichment and personal growth within a community context. Before donating, it’s advisable to reach out to the church office or library to understand their specific donation process and any applicable guidelines they may have.

Museums are not just about visual art and historical artifacts; they also house libraries and educational resources. Your donated books can enhance the research and learning potential for visitors delving into various subjects during their time at a museum.

10. Retirement Homes

Many retirees enjoy reading as a cherished pastime that animates the imagination and keeps the intellect engaged. Your book donations could serve as a source of pleasure and mental stimulation, ranging from fiction and non-fiction to biographies and more. Donating your books to retirement homes not only provides entertainment but also promotes cognitive stimulation and fostering social interaction among the residents.

11. Sell Books for Cash

If you have gently used books that you no longer need, consider selling them for cash. This not only helps you declutter your space but also puts some extra money in your pocket. Plus, it gives someone else the opportunity to enjoy the books you’ve cherished. There are various online platforms and local bookstores that buy back books. 

In fact, BookScouter.com is the perfect solution for selling your used books. Simply enter the ISBN of the books you no longer need, and BookScouter will compare buyback prices from over 40 vendors, making sure you get the best deal possible. It’s super easy and convenient, allowing you to clear out your old books while also making a little money on the side. So, why not give it a try and turn your unwanted books into cash today?

12. Recycling

When books have fulfilled their readable lives and are no longer in a condition to be donated, consider recycling as the next step. Paper recycling centers can process the paper from your books and turn them into new paper products. This environmentally friendly approach ensures that your books are put to good use even after they’ve been read and loved. If you choose this option, learn how to recycle books or where to recycle textbooks .

13. Upcycling

Another great option is to get creative and repurpose your old books through upcycling. You can transform worn books into unique home decor items such as book art, book sculptures, or even furniture. Upcycling not only gives your books a new purpose but also adds a touch of personality to your living space. Additionally, you can explore upcycling options by donating to art centers or craft stores that use old books for creative projects.

14. Ask your family and friends

When it comes to finding the perfect home for your used books, why not start with the people closest to you? Asking your friends and family if they’d like to take any of your books off your hands can be a great way to share the love of reading within your circle and enrich your relationship. Plus, it’s a wonderful feeling to know that your beloved books are going to someone you care about. You might even spark some interesting conversations about your favorite reads! So, don’t hesitate to reach out and see if your loved ones would appreciate the opportunity to give your books a new home.

By the way, you can organize a book swap with friends, family, or your local community. This allows everyone to exchange books they’ve already read for new ones, fostering community spirit and sharing literary treasures. It’s a real win-win for every bookworm! 

Where to Donate Used Books: Final Thoughts

Every book donation counts! By finding the right donation location, you can ensure that your books will be put to good use. From community libraries to educational centers — wherever you choose to donate — your kindness and generosity have a broad impact.

Remember, the impact of donating books goes beyond the pages themselves – it’s about delivering happiness, inspiration, and a sense of connection to those who may benefit from the power of storytelling and knowledge.

So, now is the time to gather up your gently loved books so they may enlighten and engage readers anew.

Alison Bailey

Alison is a recent college graduate. Since college, she’s especially been interested in creating interesting stories and exploring different topics to write about. Writing for BookScouter gives her incredible pleasure and satisfaction. Alison considers content creation as an addictive hobby she puts her whole soul into. She’s also passionate about traveling, reading fiction, stretching, and playing the piano. The greatest stress-reliever for Alison is to pet her cat named Cupcake and listen to his soothing purring.

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Last Updated on February 5, 2024 by Sammy Wilson

The Definitive Guide to Where to Donate Books

Whether you’re a believer in the minimal, joy-sparking book collection Marie Kondo stresses or you’re a book connoisseur who regularly cleans their shelf to make way for new reading material, the next big step after deciding what books to donate is getting them from your trunk to a donation center.

At this point, you might be asking yourself:

• Are there time-saving services that will pick up my donation pile after notifying them online, or are there quick and easy drop off bins near me?
• What if I want my donation to help those in my local community (can I donate to my library, maybe?) or benefit a great cause (like sending the books to third world countries)?
• Can I get something in return for my generous donation?
• What if my books are so worn and torn that no one else will want them?

Since we’re believers that, as Walt Disney once said, “There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island,” we’ve compiled the ultimate list—the definitive guide to donating books—to help you easily find the perfect donation spot for you, whether you have children’s books, academic textbooks, or novels, and whether you live in Brooklyn (NYC), Los Angeles (CA), or somewhere in between.

The Most Convenient Donation Spots

Check your local area to see if these organizations can pick up your pile of book donations (many have easy drop-off location spots, if you’d rather swing by!).

• The Salvation Army resells donated items to fund their Adult Rehabilitation Centers.
• Goodwill resells donated items to create jobs for those in need and helps recycle items through your community. Online you can find the nearest Goodwill, and you can call and ask if they offer pick-up services.
• AMVETS supports the veteran community. Check their site to see if there’s a location near you to schedule a pickup.
• Donation Town allows you to search for local charities near you that are willing to pick up your donation.
• Search online for “pick up book donation near me,” as there may be some local options available to you. For example, if you live on the East Coast, GreenDrop is a charitable organization that can either pick up your books or receive your donation at a drop-off center. If you happen to live in Northern Utah, Tabitha’s Way has multiple drop-off bins around the area.
• Ask your friends and family if they’re interested in the books you no longer want to keep. There’s no shame in asking them to stop by and pick them up, or simply take them to your next get together.

Donate Locally

It’s best to call ahead and double check whether these nearby sites are accepting donations.

• Your local library (some list online whether they’re accepting donations, too)
• Local thrift stores
• Local schools
• Retirement Homes and Assisted Living Centers (may also welcome children’s books for Alzheimer and Dementia patients)
• Daycare centers
• Dentists (might accept newer children’s books)
• Your pediatric doctor’s office (might accept new children’s books)
• Search Google for “donate books in [city, state]”
• Your local church (might welcome donations for the young children who attend)
• Refugee centers
• Animal shelters (there are reading programs with dogs to get them ready for adoption)
• Homeless shelters
• Freecyle (think craigslist, but for free!)
• Local theatres (they sometimes use old books as props)

Benefit A Cause

While many of the convenient donation spots listed previously also go to great use, here are a few options for larger causes your books can contribute to.

• Books for Africa allows you to ship up to 50 lbs of books to send to students in Africa. You have to pay around $0.50 per book you want to donate as well as for the shipping. They accept hardcover and softcover fiction and non-fiction books and college textbooks, though books should be 15 years old or newer.
• Operation Paperback provides the opportunity to send your gently-used books to American troops overseas. You’ll need to become a “Volunteer Shipper” and input genres you’re willing to donate. They’ll provide you with address information, and you’ll pack up the books and pay to ship them.
• Habitat for Humanity ReStore uses proceeds from reselling donation items to fund Habitat’s home-building projects throughout the world.
• Reach Out and Read is a nonprofit that encourages families to read aloud together and incorporates books into pediatric care. To donate books for kids up to 15 years old, you’ll fill out a form on their site about your donation and they’ll get back to you with your local Reach Out and Read site within two weeks for you to drop your donation off at or ship your donation to.
• Reader to Reader is a nonprofit that places donated books in deserverving, " under-resourced school libraries and public libraries across the United States ."
• Better World Books resells donated books, using the proceeds to fund literacy initiatives across the world.
• Prisons often accept donations of approved paperback books. Make sure your donations align with approved books, and check with your local prison beforehand to make sure they’re accepting donations. Here’s a list with some locations throughout the US you can donate to.

Get Something in Return

• BookMooch allows you to donate your books to receive points, which you can use to ask for others’ books.
• Half Price Books might buy your used books, and they’ll either recycle or donate books they don’t resell.

More Creative Ways to Share Your Loved Books

• Host a book swap party, but leave empty handed. Have everyone place their books in the center, choose new (to them) books to take home, and then let others choose from your pile (and what others bring). Donate any remainders to one of the options in this article.
• Create a little free library (a neighborhood library spot where you can leave or take a book).
• Put on a book sale to sell your used books, or raise money to donate to a good cause (many of the organizations listed above allow monetary donations, too!).

Are your books so well used that they’re basically torn apart, but you don’t want to throw them away? Ask your local recycling center if you can bring your books by. If any of these services have worked well for you, let us know! If you have favorite or trusted options for donating your books that we haven’t covered here, please share them with us.

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Friends of the Library

Discover ways to help your community's Friends, Guild, or Association group.

Most library locations have a Friends of the Library group. Friends groups are member-supported, independent non-profit organizations. Their purpose is supporting their local library and its services to the community.

Through fundraising events such as book sales, Friends raise money for the library. These funds help pay for items and events that aren’t in the library's budget. Friends are also library advocates, and increase public awareness of library services. Joining a Friends of the Library group is a great way to support your local library.

Find book sales and meetings

Friends of the kent libraries general meeting, valley view friends of the library general meeting, meet heidi daniel, kcls director & celebrate the freedom to…, newport way library association monthly meeting, woodmont friends of the library general meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i join my local friends group.

We have 41 local Friends of the Library groups. New members are always welcome. Interested in joining a local Friends group? Find your next local meeting on our calendar. Or, contact your local library to find out more.

Most of the Friends groups ask that members pay small annual dues, around $5 per year. Members also volunteer time for fundraising projects, community events, and meeting attendance. Find your local group .

What kind of donations do Friends groups accept?

Most Friends of the Library groups welcome donations of:

• Hardcover and paperback books in good condition
• Audiobooks on CD
• DVDs and video computer games
• Comics and graphic novels

Please check with your local group  for more information.

What kind of donations are Friends groups unable to take?

Most Friends of the Library groups are unable to accept:

• Books that are missing pages, smelly, warped, torn, stained, mildewed, damaged, wet, or in otherwise poor condition
• Textbooks and reference materials older than five years
• Reader’s Digest Condensed books or Time-Life sets
• Encyclopedias
• Magazines, periodicals, or professional journals
• VHS videos, music, or language on cassettes
• Audio visual media that is a copy, is incomplete, or is without original case and notes

Check with your local group for more information.

Which libraries have a Friends group?

Most libraries have a Friends, Guild, or Association group.

Get the details about your library's group on the library's About page. You can find your library's About page at the top of its location page . Or, go directly to your library's About page from this list:

• Algona-Pacific
• Black Diamond
• Federal Way
• Federal Way 320th
• Greenbridge
• Kent Panther Lake
• Lake Forest Park
• Maple Valley
• Mercer Island
• Muckleshoot
• Newport Way
• Redmond Ridge
• Renton Highlands
• Richmond Beach
• Valley View
• White Center
• Woodinville

I have books and other materials I’d like to donate to the library. What should I do?

You can donate books to your preferred Friends group. Find your nearest Friends of the Library group . During operating hours you can donate books through the library itself. Due to limited storage space, there may be a limit to how many boxes of donations we can accept at one time. Please contact your Friends Group if you plan to donate more than two boxes to make sure there is space.

We generally do not add donations to the cataloged collection. It is often more expensive to prepare donated books for library use than to buy them. When we buy materials from our vendors, they provide deep discounts and do much of the processing for us.

How do I find a Friends book sale?

Friends groups raise funds through book sales. All Friends have ongoing book sale shelves in the library. You can find an upcoming fundraiser or book sale at the nearest library in our event calendar.

For Current Friends

KCLS Friends Handbook (PDF)

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Book Donations & Sales

Donate gently used books, movies and more..

Consider your local Friends’ of the Library groups for your donation.   

• Before donating, check with your local library to see what is accepted.  
• Most Library locations accept donations during regular open hours . Contact your library for specific details.
• Please call in advance regarding large donations as storage space is limited.  

Shop for great books and more at Friends’ sales.   

What happens to the items that are donated?

They are sold by the Friends’ groups to help support the libraries. Think of it as money reinvested into your community.

Learn more about your local Friends’ of the Library group.  

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Donation of Books and Other Materials

The Public Library Albuquerque and Bernalillo County appreciates the generosity of those who wish to donate books and other materials. Donations of books and audiovisual materials that are in good condition are accepted. Some items will not be accepted in the branches. For example, books with mold, handwriting and/or highlighting, magazines, Reader's Digest condensed books, encyclopedias or textbooks are not accepted. Donors are encouraged to recycle these materials.

Donations are reviewed at the branch level and may be selectively added to our collection. Factors considered for addition are content, condition, currency, relevance, collection need and space. Please be aware that there is a financial burden for the library to add donated items to the collection. These costs include: evaluation, data entry, accounting, cataloging, processing and distribution. In some cases these costs may exceed the cost of the item being donated.

Most donations become the property of the Friends of the Public Library and are sold at Book Sales for the benefit of the Albuquerque / Bernalillo County Library. Friends' Book Sales provide vital funds for library programs and services at all 19 branches. The Friends decide if an item will be sold at a Book Sale or recycled if appropriate. Donated materials are not able to be returned.

Author and publisher donations will be vetted by the Collections Development Manager. These items must meet the same standards as all other materials donations. Items not added to the collection will be sent to the Friends. By law the library cannot appraise donations, but will gladly issue receipts for the number of items donated. Monetary gifts are accepted and used to purchase materials as requested by the donor.

More information about monetary and material donations .

The Friends of the Public Library Donation Page

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Friends of the Library

Donate books.

Donate your gently used books, audiobooks and DVDs to Friends of the Library. Your donations are sold at Big Book Sales, the Library Store, and at every library location. Proceeds from these sales support Columbus Metropolitan Library and grassroots advocacy efforts to ensure the library will remain open to all for years to come.

Donations of a reasonable size can be dropped off at any Columbus Metropolitan Library location . Customers must be able to transport the items into the library without assistance. If you would like to make a large book donation, please contact Friends of the Library using the button below.

Connect with Friends of the Library

• Your Name * First Last
• Your Email Address *
• Phone Number
• How can we help? *

Items We Accept

• Hardback Fiction
• Hardback Nonfiction
• Paperback Fiction
• Paperback Nonfiction
• Oversized Books
• Leather-bound Books
• Dictionaries
• Reference Books
• Foreign Language Books
• Travel Books (within 3 years)
• Textbooks (within 10 years)
• Technology Books (within 3 years)
• Volume Books in full sets
• Rare & Antiquarian Books
• Special Collection Books
• Audiobooks on CD

Items We Don't Accept

• Advanced Reader & Galley Proofs
• Encyclopedias
• Magazines & Newspapers
• Activity Books
• Academic Journals
• Sheet Music
• Non-ISBN Book Club Editions
• Vinyl Albums
• Music Cassettes or CDs
• Medical Books

If you would like to donate items that we do not accept, we encourage you to contact schools, temporary shelters, community centers, correctional facilities, churches, or free stores.

Other Ways to Support Your Library

Donate/make a gift, kroger community rewards.

When you connect your Plus Card to the library, Kroger will donate a portion of the sales to our organization. To get started, sign up with your Plus Card below, and select Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation ( group number PH417 ). Once enrolled, you’ll earn rewards every time you shop and use your Plus Card. Remember to renew annually to keep your account active.

Friends of the Library is a nonprofit 501(c)(4) organization.

96 S. Grant Ave. | Columbus, Ohio 43215

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Donate Books & Materials

Where to Donate Books and Materials

We accept donations year-round to stock our biannual book sales and our library book stores. Donations are accepted at Central Library and all open branches.

We no longer accept or sell:  CDs, DVDs, albums, sheet music, manuals, encyclopedias or textbooks.  All donated books should be in sellable condition (clean, no highlighting, underlining, or writing in the margins).

At Central Library, donations can be placed on the blue bins as you enter the Library from the parking lot. Larger donations are accepted at the Central Library loading dock (near 10th Street) on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between the hours of 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Please ring the buzzer and someone will come to assist you.

Receipts for your donations are available from staff at the time of delivery and at all branch Circulation desks.

In addition to books, other materials accepted for the biannual sales include:

• Board games
• Blank journals
• Recent magazines (no older than 1 year)
• Unused greeting cards
• Unused postcards

Thank you for your support of the Friends of the Arlington Public Library.

Biannual Book Sales

We normally hold two large book sales a year at   Central Library at 1015 N. Quincy Street . The closest Metro stops are Ballston and Virginia Square on the  Orange Line .

Volunteers are always needed for these sales.  Sign up to volunteer .

Buying Books Throughout the Year

Aurora Hills, Central Library, Cherrydale, Columbia Pike, Courthouse, Glencarlyn, Shirlington, and Westover all have book stores where you can purchase used books and magazines and support FOAL!

Payment for these books is made at the circulation desks.

Donations are accepted at all branches.

We have a group of volunteers called the “Donation Processing Team.” These tireless workers process our donated books for the biannual sales and the branch book stores.

Volunteers receive great perks! Sign up to volunteer .

Check out our FAQs page if you have other questions.

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Donate Your Gently Used Books to the Friends

• Share email
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• The Friends of the Library
• Become a Member
• Donate Materials
• The Friends Book Fair

Clean out your closets and empty your bookshelves!  Donate  your gently used books to the Friends of the St. Charles City-County Library. 

Items accepted.

• new and used books in good condition
• textbooks published within the last 5 years
• CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays
• sheet music
• jigsaw puzzles
• board games
• computer games
• video games

​(Sadly, we cannot accept magazines, encyclopedia sets, records, VHS tapes, or auto repair manuals)

Where can I Donate?

Most Library branches can accept up to four medium-sized boxes. Large book and material donations are accepted at the Friends' Warehouse.

Friends' Warehouse Location & Hours:  224 Turner Blvd., St. Peters, MO 63376

Monday:  9 am - Noon Wednesday:  6 pm - 8 pm Saturday:  9 am - Noon

Note: We are unable to pick up materials at individual homes.

Support the Friends of the Library as they support the Library. Only with the help of the Friends can the Library offer: Summer Challenge program for all ages, book discussion kits, special children’s performances, teen gaming programs, staff training workshops, and much more!

Jennifer Compton-Linden - Friends of the Library Staff Liaison 77 Boone Hills Drive | St. Peters, MO 63376 (636) 720-3267 [email protected]

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Book Sale Donations

The Friends of the Library welcomes donations for their regularly-scheduled and ongoing book sales. Due to fire safety and limits on storage space, there are times during the year when no donations can be accepted.

Please refer to the chart to ensure your local branch is currently able to accept book sale donations.

Locations Currently Accepting Donations

Thank you for your generosity and understanding.

60 South High Street Akron, Ohio 44326 330.643.9000

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Donate Dollars

Help keep our libraries a strong and vibrant part of life in West Florida.  Make a tax deductable donation to Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough county, a 501(c)(3 organization. 

You can make a donation to our general fund, or to a specific program like our Young Readers Initiative or Festival of Reading.

General Fund

Contribute to the overall community of libraries.

the john germany Young REaders INitiative

Help young people learn to read.

or make check payable to: The Friends of the Library P.O. Box 172608, Tampa, FL 33672

Donate Books

Did you know? All of our Friends Chapters have bookstores and accept  book donations! We happily accept donated books in good condition.  Please drop off donated books to your nearest HCPLC branch bookstore during regular hours. Through your donation, the sales from our bookstores help support and enhance our libraries.

At this time, our Friends are unable to pick up donations. If you have a large donation that might overwhelm our workspace please call the Friends number to make special arrangements. Please also keep in mind that we do not accept video tapes, textbooks, atlases, encyclopedias, or most other materials with outdated information. If you have additional questions about donated materials please contact us at 813-273-3616.

This organization is exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code since March 1967. EIN Number 59-6174497. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION WITH THE STATE OF FLORIDA (CH #01052) AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE, 1-800-435-7352. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY IS REGISTERED WITH THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE & CONSUMER SERVICES, DIVISION OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, AS A CHARITABLE, FUND-RAISING ORGANIZATION. FILE NO. CH #01052. The Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough, Inc. has not retained any professional solicitor, and 100% of each contribution is received directly by the Friends of the Library.

A Bridgehampton book 'retreat' seeks donations for renovation

Lisa Michne, executive director of Hampton Library, is helping to lead a planned renovation of the 147-year-old public facility. Library officials are looking for donations to support the project. Credit: John Roca

As a child growing up in Bridgehampton, Lisa Michne would ride her bike to Hampton Library, where she said she “fell in love with books.”

After about two decades in various roles at East Hampton Library, Michne, 64, returned two years ago to her hometown library as executive director.

Now she's helping lead a planned $1.9 million renovation of the 147-year-old public library to expand its services to meet the community's growing needs.

The library, after raising about $400,000 for initial groundwork, kicked off a capital campaign Saturday to seek donations to cover the remaining $1.5 million needed for the project.

“There's just a lot more demand for all of our wonderful services,” Michne said.

The library collected about $1.7 million through taxes for its 2023 budget, officials said.

The renovation plan doesn't include a physical expansion of the 12,000-square-foot building on Main Street in Bridgehampton, but rather a refurbishment of heavily used areas to offer more programs, the director said.

The library district’s population, which covers Bridgehampton and Sagaponack, has grown 75% during the last 15 years, based on the most recent U.S. Census data, Michne said.

Highlights of the plan include:

Refurbishing the children’s room, Expanding the young adult room, Doubling the size of the literacy room where English language classes, educational programs and meetings are held, and , Expanding technology to accommodate assistive hearing capabilities, video conferencing, virtual reality and better internet speed,.

Library trustee Eric Lemonides, 55, who co-owns the restaurant Almond across the street, has taken the role of fundraising campaign chairman. He envisions the library in its reconfigured form as having more of a “sense of warmth and a sense of home,” rather than just a place people check out books and leave.

“As I’ve been on the board, I’ve really come to realize more about what it is people need and want out of a library,” he said.

Fred Schmeltzer, 68, of Bridgehampton, served as chairman of the fundraising committee when the library underwent its last renovation more than 15 years ago and said the facility, which opened in 1877, is “integral” to the community.

The bonding the library did for that renovation was paid off by early 2019, according to Michne.

Southampton Town last year established the Bridgehampton Historic District along a stretch of Main Street that includes the library and the building was included as a “contributing resource.”

The building, a combination of Stick style and Queen Anne style architecture, opened with the largest collection of books east of Brooklyn, according to a report last year by the Southampton Town Historian’s Office.

The library partners with school districts on several programs, according to Mary Kelly, Bridgehampton school district superintendent. She said elementary school students recently completed a library card program and staff members work with them once a week as part of an after-school program.

“They’re a fabulous partner and provide tremendous support for our kids and families,” Kelly added.

Michne said the one-room Sagaponack School also uses Hampton Library as a resource.

The library official said she hopes the renovation can begin this year and it's undecided if the library's operations will be relocated during construction. Relocating would allow the project to be completed faster, she said, adding that she's “researching” possible sites.

Schmeltzer said the library has been like a “retreat” for him where he finds a “little nook” to read — mostly fiction — and escape the glow of his cellphone screen.

“It’s been invaluable to me and my life out here over the years,” he said.

• Refurbishing the children’s room,
• Expanding the young adult room,
• Doubling the size of the literacy room where English language classes, educational programs and meetings are held, and 
• Expanding technology to accommodate assistive hearing capabilities, video conferencing, virtual reality and better internet speed.

Historic library

In 1877, Hampton Library opened in Bridgehampton.

In 1898, a second story was added.

• About 15 years ago, the last renovation finished.

Joe Werkmeister covers the towns of Southampton, East Hampton and Shelter Island. He is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University and previously worked as the editor of two North Fork community newspapers.

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