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For some, the hardest items to declutter are books. But one of the most common questions I get asked is, “Where can I donate books?”
It’s an interesting paradox when you think about it. But the struggle and the question are probably related. Books are an important part of our lives but many of us still struggle with what to do with old books. When we decide it’s time to part with them, we want to know they are going to a nice home where they can continue to enrich and improve other people’s lives.
Where to Donate Books
In order to provide a thoughtful and thorough answer to the question above, I’ve spent time researching the most current and up-to-date places you can go to donate books.
You can donate books at several locations in your city, including:
1. The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is one of the world’s largest providers of social aid. Proceeds from their stores are used to fund Adult Rehabilitation Centers, where those in the grip of addiction find help, hope, and a second chance at life. Find a location near you.
2. Goodwill
Goodwill is a non-profit organization that provides job training, employment placement services, and other community-based programs for people who have barriers preventing them from otherwise obtaining a job. They are often conveniently located and you can find a drop-off location near you on their site.
3. Local Libraries
As with most places on this list, it is wise and courteous to call in advance for specifics on current needs. Many local libraries do not have space or time to sort through large collections of books. Check to see if they are looking for current titles, or organizing a community book sale in the near future.
4. Vietnam Veterans of America
VVA is a non-profit organization committed to serving the needs of veterans. It is funded without any contribution from any branch of government. Check out their convenient Pickup service for availability in your area.
5. Habitat for Humanity ReStores
Proceeds from ReStores are used to help build strength, stability, self-reliance, and shelter in local communities and around the world. Check out their website for locations near you.
6. Other Local Charities
Donation Town connects donors with charities all over the country that offer free donation pick up service. Use their website to locate local charities willing to come pick up your gently used book donation.
7. Local Theaters
If your books are historical in nature, check with your local theater and/or museum. Books may be used as props during performances or as display exhibits in local museums.
8. Retirement Homes
As with other places offered on this list, be sure to call and inquire about the current level of need to ensure that your donation is not a burden.
9. Kids Need to Read
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. They accept “like new” children’s books that are not scribbled upon or visibly damaged. Visit their website here.
10. Reader to Reader
Reader to Reader, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding literacy and learning opportunities for the nation’s most chronically underserved and vulnerable communities, including inner-city schools, Native American reservations, and poor rural towns. Find a donation program near you.
11. African Library Project
ALP is dedicated to creating African libraries by organizing the shipment of gently-used books through book drives in the United States. You can find a local book drive or better yet, organize your own.
12. Books for Africa.
Books for Africa collects, sorts, ships, and distributes books to students of all ages in Africa with the goal of ending the book famine in Africa.
13. Books Through Bars
Books Through Bars works to provide quality reading material to prisoners in Pennsylvania and surrounding states.
14. Prison Book Programs
Prison Book Program is a grassroots organization that exists for one purpose—to send free books to prisoners. In addition to the work they do, they also keep a current list of local organizations (in your area) doing the same thing.Find their list here.
15. Books for Soldiers
Operation Paperback Books for Soldiers / Operation Paperback collects gently-used books and sends them to American troops overseas, as well as veterans and military families here at home. To begin the shipment process, sign up here.
16. Better World Books
BWB collects and sells books online to donate books and fund literacy initiatives worldwide. You can find more about their donation process here.
17. Bookmooch
If you are looking to receive books back in exchange for your donation, try Bookmooch, a community for exchanging used books.
18. Re-book It (Los Angeles)
Re-Book It is a free community pick-up service provided by The Last Bookstore to ensure that no books end up in landfills, but instead find new homes in the hands of readers.
19. Freecycle
Freecycle is a free, local online bulletin board dedicated to reusing goods. Create an account, post a brief description of the books you are looking to donate, and see if anyone local is interested in taking them.
20. Ask Your Friends and Family
If you have friends and family who love reading, why not ask them if there’s anything they’re interested in reading before you donate? After they’re done with your books, they can then donate using the list above.
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Here are a few other places doing cool stuff with books. They are not accepting book donations at this time—but if you want to financially support reading programs, here are a couple to look into: United Through Reading and Reading Education Assistance Dogs.
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As I’ve mentioned a few times in this post, please be courteous and thoughtful when you wish to donate books. Whenever possible, call ahead to be sure your book donation is needed—citing specific genres when possible. Keep in mind that quality, gently-used books will always be most appreciated. And consider sorting your books prior to donating.
Be a blessing, not a burden. Donate books responsibly.
christine bunt says
I finally found a gal who was happy to take them! I tried so many places and left my phone number at all of them, I don’t know where I contacted her. It took 2 loads with her trunk full but now they won’t end up in the trash. Thanks for caring, and stay safe.
Tish Parrillo says
I have a box of books to donate. All in good condition. Where can I donate them.
Emery Lindsay says
I am a pastor who has lots of books to donate as I retire from the pastoral ministry. Mostly religious leadership or church-related materials
Mary says
I don’t know where you live, but a local Christian bookstore near me has a used section with many donated pastoral books. Or check with other churches in your area who may want to expand their library, or create one.
Gloria Jaramillo says
Hi. I am a retired elementary (kinder to 5th grade) teacher and have multiple books to donate but don’t know where. I also have about 20 nursing/medical hard back books to donate. I live in Columbia SC.
Morgan says
Hi Gloria I’m Morgan and Please we need those books we have a Nonprofit Organisation that is called Teach Rwanda it helps students to Study who can’t afford to go to school and those books they can help them
John says
A little known fact is that almost every marina on the east and west coast (and others) has a “sailor’s library” where those cruising the globe on their boats drop off books heave read and pick up new ones. Call around your area and ask.
Alma Alvarez-Smith says
My husband and I are academics who have accumulated a collection of Black and Latinx literature, memoirs, biographies. We’d like to send these books to a new home in the Seattle area.
Eli Graham says
I am in Toronto. I have books to donate, but don’t know where. They are mostly paperbacks, unmarked, most in super good shape. Mostly they are serious academic philosophy. I wish some Indigenous university or public library (like in Nunavut) wanting to fill out their philosophy section were interested. Anyone willing to come and get them, please let me know. I live in Parkdale.
Azariya Makoni says
Hi I am looking for books to start a library for my community here in Zimbabwe in Africa. My community is affected by drugs and alcohol abuse. I have a feeling that with books these boys and girls can at least have something to put their mind on instead of thinking about drugs and all that.
Carolyn says
I have several books to donate and have been looking up how and where to donate books to Africa. I trust we can establish a connection and get these books to you.
Gwen says
How do you get the books
Louise Camilletti says
I too have many books to donate. I can provide you a listing if you would be interested
Angela says
I had to close my used book store during Covid. The store was too small to social distance. I have over 1000 books left. I am having no luck donating them or simply giving them away. The library has no room for them. The prison near me can’t take them. The schools have no use for them. The two thrift stores in town refuse to take anymore books as they have too many already. Craigslist? No luck there. People want to rummage through them looking for titles that might be lucrative. I have sold some books on line. This was too time consuming for me. I am leaving the country soon and am doing everything I can to save these books from the trash. Most of the books are hardback. To Recycle for paper re-use means that would have to remove the hard covers! It will be just as hard for me to destroy books in this way too.Any Ideas would be appreciated.
Daphne says
I am currently trying to save Toddler books from the recycle bin that are surplus from the public library after the library book sales.
So, although I can’t help you yet, I am searching for the same distribution solution.
My goal is to hopefully land the books to an org that will use them for childhood reading, rather than sell them for profit for some other reason.
I will gladly keep you apprised of what I find. ?
Marie says
Angela, we are in the same situation. We will be moving soon and can’t take our books with us. I would gladly give them away for free to anyone who would take them. Why is it that no one realizes how important books are? I just don’t want to see them thrown away. Many are almost brand new. And we have all types: fiction, non-fiction, reference, poetry, classics, just so many! I took an not having any success in getting them to folks who want or need them.
Sereke says
Where are you located?
Stephanie Ackroyd says
This is so sad! I have so many books to donate including older college texts and not sure where to donate!
Heidi Daniels says
Hey there! I’m the new librarian at a women’s prison and my library is sorely lacking choices and most of the books here are old/torn/in bad shape. Don’t know where you are located (we are in North Florida) but I would love to talk to you about your books if you still have them.
Thanks so much!
Heidi
Elva Ann says
Hi!
I would like to send you books if you are interested.
I work in a county jail in NY. and have books to send to you .
Please contact me.
suzanne says
Heidi Daniels,
I have many books to donate, if you are interested. I am in New Jersey.
Suzanne
Rose Howell says
Heidi, I am also in North Florida, midway between Tallahassee and Pensacola. I have so many books. Do you still have a need for them?
Jan P says
Heidi, My sister, who recently passed away, had an interest in the British Royal famIly with Princess Diana as a prime focus. Sis also gathered books on the well being of dogs, cats and horses along with many self help and health-care topics for we humans. While the books aren’t in North Florida, I travel between their location and north Florida a few times each year and would live to be able to donate rather than discard.
Juli Martin says
Many hotels/ motels as well as psychiatric hospitals would love to have those!😊
Lyra Yeretzian says
Hi. I’m a member of Friends of the Library in Santa Clarita, California. Where are you located? An organization called Vietnam Veterans of America and I know they take books. Discover Books is another. I also hate wasting books.
christine bunt says
Don’t give up. I just found someone who was happy to take them. I tried so many times to rehome them I don’t even remember what worked to find a gal who wanted them.