Last updated:
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.
—
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.
—
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.
Carla says
I have about 50 or so books that came from a Jewish synagogue that closed. They are in English, fiction and non-fiction, mostly hardback. I have a few other non- Jewish books. I need them picked up. Any special interest groups? I live in Queens, NYC near Queens College.
sara says
Hi, I’m a Moroccan student, I want to read books in English, but I can’t afford to buy them, and with COVID 19 all public libraries are closed in my city, so I was looking for someone who wants to do a donation of books if he/she can send it to me, I will be very grateful.
Lulu says
Hi Sara, my friend is looking for a loving home for her books! I will tell her you are looking.
Sincerely, Lulu
sara says
I am so happy to know that. Thank you very much for your help, Lulu. I really appreciate this.
Valerie Tenda says
I am decluttering my basement and I have like 4 boxes of books. I would love to donate them if you are willing to take them off of my hands.
sara says
if you could help me and send them to me, I will be grateful. I really need books to read.
Jeanne Eanes says
Who might want the Funk and Wagnell’s yearbooks of important events from each year from 1970 to 2005 or so? They are in perfect condition with purple binding and gold edges. I also have the set of 1970 encyclopedias that they yearbooks match but the information wold be way outdated.
Jeanne says
Who might want the Funk and Wagnell’s yearbooks of important events from each year from 1970 to 2005 or so? They are in perfect condition with purple binding and gold edges. I also have the set of 1970 encyclopedias that they yearbooks match but the information wold be way outdated.
Diane Emling says
I’m wondering how to identify struggling colleges whose libraries could use the donation of college level books. Any ideas?
Appliance Donations says
To make us read a well curated article is written on 20 places to donate used books.It is a wonderful article stating clear information regarding it. I am sure many people will come to read this in future.Great blog indeed, will visit again future to read more!!
LISA DIXON says
Thank you Joshua for this information. It was exactly the information I needed to know. I’m a veteran and my deceased brother was a Vietnam veteran. So, in honor of him, I’ll donate some to the vets. And, to others you listed. This is so perfect because I didn’t want to donate to agencies that would resell my books. And lastly, I will definitely be purchasing your books on minimalism! ? Take care and thanks again.
laryma spector says
This is a great program. I donate books but can I donate magazines as well?
Ravi Patankar says
I am at Mubai.I have some books for Donation.Can some one collect
Juanita J. Prieto says
I gave a few thousand a couple of years back to a neighborhood second hand shop, that sudden spikes in demand for the smell of a sleek cloth. Nobody gets paid, it’s not extravagant, it’s not all done-up and truly relies on individuals being benevolent. This is my fave spot to give. Presently I don’t possess any paper books, be that as it may.
David says
If you live in Los Angeles, you can donate books to: donatebooksfast.org. They offer free fast pickup!