For many book lovers, decluttering books can feel like parting with a piece of themselves. It’s a common dilemma: we cherish books and the knowledge they hold, yet sometimes our shelves become overflowing. The question then arises, “Where can I donate books?” It’s a testament to the value we place on literature that we want our pre-loved books to find new homes where they can continue to inspire and educate others.
To help you responsibly rehome your literary treasures, we’ve compiled an updated guide on Where To Donate Books. These organizations offer various avenues for your books to make a positive impact in your community and beyond.
National and International Charities Accepting Book Donations
Several well-established charities operate on a large scale, accepting book donations to support their diverse missions.
1. The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, a globally recognized social aid organization, welcomes book donations at many of its locations. Proceeds from their thrift stores directly fund Adult Rehabilitation Centers. These centers provide critical support, hope, and rehabilitation opportunities for individuals struggling with addiction. You can easily locate a donation center near you through their website.
2. Goodwill
Goodwill Industries is another prominent non-profit that uses donations to empower individuals. By donating your books to Goodwill, you support their job training programs, employment placement services, and various community-based initiatives. These programs assist individuals facing employment barriers in achieving sustainable livelihoods. Find a convenient Goodwill drop-off location using their locator tool.
3. Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)
The Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) is a non-profit dedicated to serving the needs of veterans and is entirely funded through public support. VVA often offers a convenient pickup service for donations, including books, making it easy to contribute. Check their website to see if pickup is available in your area and support veterans through your book donations.
4. Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Habitat for Humanity ReStores are home improvement stores and donation centers that accept a variety of items, including books in some locations. Proceeds from ReStores directly support Habitat for Humanity’s mission of building affordable housing and fostering community development worldwide. Visit their website to find a ReStore near you and inquire about their book donation policies.
Local Donation Options for Your Used Books
Beyond national charities, numerous local organizations can benefit from your book donations, often directly impacting your immediate community.
5. Local Libraries
Your local public library is a natural place to consider when donating books. However, it’s crucial to contact your library beforehand to understand their current needs and donation policies. Libraries may accept books for their collection, for book sales, or they may have limited capacity due to space constraints. Inquiring beforehand ensures your donation aligns with their requirements.
6. Other Local Charities
Donation Town serves as a valuable resource to connect you with local charities across the country that offer free donation pickup services. Utilize their website to identify local organizations in your area that are willing to pick up your gently used book donations, streamlining the donation process and supporting local causes.
7. Local Theaters and Museums
If you possess books of historical significance or with aesthetic appeal, consider reaching out to local theaters or museums. These institutions sometimes utilize books as props in theatrical productions or as part of display exhibits. Your books could contribute to enriching cultural experiences within your community.
8. Retirement Homes and Senior Centers
Retirement homes and senior centers are often appreciative of book donations for their residents’ libraries or activity rooms. However, similar to libraries, it’s essential to call ahead and inquire about their current needs and the types of books that would be most suitable for their residents.
9. Freecycle and Community Groups
Freecycle is an online platform connecting individuals for local reuse and gifting. Posting a listing on Freecycle describing the books you wish to donate can connect you with individuals in your community who are seeking those specific titles, ensuring your books find appreciative new owners locally. Local community groups on social media platforms can also serve a similar purpose.
10. Friends and Family
Before donating to a larger organization, consider asking friends and family if they or anyone they know would be interested in your books. This direct approach can be a simple way to ensure your books are enjoyed by someone you know, and if they eventually decide to declutter, they can then utilize the donation options listed here.
Charities Focused on Book Access and Literacy
Several organizations specifically focus on distributing books to underserved communities and promoting literacy.
11. Kids Need to Read
Kids Need to Read is dedicated to fostering a culture of reading among children. They provide inspiring books to underfunded schools, libraries, and literacy programs across the United States, particularly those serving disadvantaged children. They accept donations of “like new” children’s books that are free from damage, ensuring quality reading materials for young readers.
12. Reader to Reader
Reader to Reader, Inc. is a non-profit organization committed to expanding literacy and learning opportunities in chronically underserved communities. They focus on inner-city schools, Native American reservations, and impoverished rural towns. Explore their website to find a donation program near you and support literacy initiatives in vulnerable communities.
13. African Library Project
The African Library Project (ALP) is dedicated to establishing libraries in Africa through book drives in the United States. You can find a local book drive or even organize your own to contribute to their mission of addressing the book famine in Africa.
14. Books for Africa
Books for Africa collects, sorts, and ships books to students of all ages across Africa with the overarching goal of ending the book famine on the continent. Donating to Books for Africa directly supports educational opportunities for countless individuals and strengthens literacy across Africa.
15. Books Through Bars & Prison Book Programs
Books Through Bars and Prison Book Program are organizations dedicated to providing reading materials to incarcerated individuals. Books Through Bars focuses on Pennsylvania and surrounding states, while Prison Book Program maintains a list of similar organizations across different regions, allowing you to support literacy and rehabilitation within the prison system.
16. Books for Soldiers/Operation Paperback
Books for Soldiers and Operation Paperback collect gently-used books to send to American troops stationed overseas, as well as veterans and military families at home. To contribute, sign up on the Operation Paperback website and help provide recreational reading for military personnel and their families.
17. Better World Books
Better World Books (BWB) is a for-profit social enterprise that collects and sells books online, using the proceeds to fund literacy initiatives globally and donate books to various programs. Explore their donation process to learn how you can contribute to their worldwide literacy efforts through book donations.
18. BookMooch
BookMooch offers a unique book exchange community. You can donate your used books and, in return, receive books requested by other members. This platform provides a way to both donate and expand your own library through book exchange.
19. Re-book It (Los Angeles)
Re-Book It, a service provided by The Last Bookstore in Los Angeles, offers free community pickup to prevent books from ending up in landfills. They ensure donated books find new readers within the community, promoting book reuse and accessibility in the Los Angeles area.
Tips for Responsible Book Donations
Regardless of where you choose to donate, consider these guidelines to ensure your donation is genuinely helpful:
- Call Ahead: Always contact the organization beforehand to inquire about their current needs, the types of books they accept, and any specific donation guidelines.
- Donate Quality Books: Ensure the books you donate are in good condition – clean, gently used, and free from significant damage. Organizations appreciate books that are ready to be read and enjoyed.
- Sort Your Books: Take the time to sort your books and ensure they align with the organization’s mission and typical needs. For example, children’s books for organizations focused on young readers, or genre-specific books if requested.
By donating your books responsibly, you transform decluttering into an act of generosity, giving your cherished books a second life and supporting valuable causes.
