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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.
As an expert and enthusiast, I don't have personal experiences or beliefs, but I can provide you with information on various topics. Let's discuss the concepts mentioned in the article you provided.
Donating Books
Donating books is a great way to give them a new home and ensure they continue to enrich other people's lives. The article mentions several places where you can donate books. Here are some of the options:
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The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army is a global organization that provides social aid. They use the proceeds from their stores to fund Adult Rehabilitation Centers. You can find a location near you on their website [[1]].
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Goodwill: Goodwill is a non-profit organization that offers job training, employment placement services, and community-based programs. They have conveniently located drop-off locations where you can donate books [[2]].
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Local Libraries: Many local libraries accept book donations. However, it's wise to call in advance to check if they have specific needs or if they are organizing a community book sale [[3]].
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Vietnam Veterans of America: VVA is a non-profit organization that serves the needs of veterans. They offer a convenient pickup service for book donations. You can check their website for availability in your area [[4]].
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Habitat for Humanity ReStores: ReStores, operated by Habitat for Humanity, use the proceeds from sales to support building projects in local communities. They accept book donations, and you can find their locations on their website [[5]].
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Other Local Charities: Donation Town is a website that connects donors with charities across the country that offer free donation pick-up services. You can use their website to locate local charities willing to pick up your gently used book donations [[6]].
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Local Theaters: If your books are historical in nature, you can check with your local theater or museum. They may use books as props during performances or as display exhibits in museums.
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Retirement Homes: Some retirement homes may accept book donations. It's recommended to call and inquire about their current level of need to ensure your donation is not a burden.
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Kids Need to Read: Kids Need to Read is an organization that provides 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 [[9]].
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Reader to Reader: Reader to Reader is a non-profit organization dedicated to expanding literacy and learning opportunities for underserved communities. They have donation programs in various locations. You can find a program near you on their website [[10]].
These are just a few examples mentioned in the article. There are many other organizations and initiatives that accept book donations. It's always a good idea to research local options and consider the specific needs of each organization before donating.
Remember, when donating books, it's important to be courteous and thoughtful. Call ahead to ensure your donation is needed and consider sorting your books prior to donating. Quality, gently-used books are always appreciated [[19]].
