13 Places to Donate Used Books and Clear Your Shelves

used books

Books have the power to inspire, educate, and entertain, and by passing them on, you can help others gain access to stories and knowledge they might not otherwise have.

If you’re decluttering your home, making room for new books, or seeking to give back, many organizations are happy to accept your used books. Donating from local libraries and schools to charities and specialized programs can positively impact someone’s life.

This guide will explore the best places to donate used books, including community organizations, charitable programs, and eco-friendly options. Let’s find your books a new home where they’ll continue to be loved and appreciated!

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Local Donation Options

You can start donating books right in your community. Many local spots welcome used books and put them to great use!

1. Public Libraries

Public libraries often accept book donations to enrich their collections and help the community. Many seek gently used books that others can enjoy, like novels, children’s stories, or nonfiction.

Some libraries even host yearly book drives to collect more items for public use.

Check with your local library first. Each one has its own rules about what it will accept, such as no ripped pages or outdated textbooks. The American Library Association website can help you find donation policies near you.

This simple step makes sure your books go where readers need them most!

2. Schools and Educational Institutions

Schools can use donated books to support literacy programs. Many schools lack the funds to buy enough reading materials for students. Your donations of children’s books or textbooks can make a big difference.

Help fill classroom shelves or school libraries with quality resources. Teachers may also use your books as tools in educational lessons. Reach out to nearby schools, especially those in underfunded areas, and offer your gently used books.

3. Little Free Libraries

Little Free Libraries are located in over 150,000 locations in 120 countries. They allow you to give and receive books for free. These small outdoor “bookshelves” make sharing easy in your neighborhood.

Drop off your used books here to help others enjoy reading. Fiction or non-fiction, children’s stories, or even a well-loved classic—all can find new readers through this system.

It promotes imagination and brings communities together—one book at a time!

Charitable Organizations

You can share your books with groups that help communities in need. They’ll ensure your donation finds a new home—spreading knowledge and joy!

4. Goodwill

Goodwill accepts used books and sells them in their stores. Your donation helps fund job training, education, and community programs. Most locations take books in good condition for resale.

Damaged or overly worn items may not be accepted.

Drop off your books at any Goodwill store near you. Some sites also offer curbside drop-offs for convenience. You help give old books new life while supporting a great cause! You can drop some off at your convenience.

5. The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army uses books to fund its programs. It resells donated books, and the earnings support its community services, which include shelters, food assistance, and disaster relief.

You can drop off books at their thrift stores or donation centers. Make sure your donations are in good shape so they can sell them quickly. This helps someone find a new favorite book while supporting those in need.

6. Better World Books

Better World Books was founded in 2003. Since then, it has donated over 32 million books to those in need, raised $33 million for literacy projects, and reused or recycled nearly 397 million titles to reduce waste.

You can donate your used books through their website. They help schools, libraries, and readers worldwide by reselling or donating books. It’s also an eco-friendly option if you’re thinking about book recycling!

Specialized Donation Programs

Some programs send books to people who can’t access them easily—explore unique ways your books can make a difference!

7. Books to Prisons Programs

Books to Prisons Programs give books to incarcerated people. These programs promote education and hope. One example, Books Through Bars, helps prisoners in many U.S. states. They believe books can support learning and personal growth.

You can donate used books directly to these programs. Avoid hardcover books or titles with violent themes; they may not be accepted. Ship your donations using USPS for low-cost options like Media Mail.

This small action can make a big difference for someone behind bars!

8. Operation Paperback

Operation Paperback began in 1999. Since then, it has sent over 2.9 million books to support soldiers and their families worldwide. This program helps comfort people serving far from home.

You can donate used books in good condition. They accept all genres, including thrillers, fiction, and history. Your donation will help fill bookshelves for troops overseas or veterans at home.

9. Books for Africa

Books for Africa helps bring books to readers in need. They have created 118 libraries across Africa, boosting literacy and education. Your old books can support this cause, turning your bookshelf into a tool for learning.

This group also promotes global literacy efforts. By donating, you help provide educational material where it’s most needed. It’s an easy way to give every book another chance to inspire imagination and learning!

Community and Healthcare Donations

Giving books to community spaces can bring joy and learning. Your donations might brighten someone’s day or spark their imagination!

10. Retirement Homes & Assisted Living Facilities

Retirement homes and assisted living facilities often need books. Your donation can help residents stay mentally active and socially engaged. They enjoy stories, puzzles, or even book art to brighten their day., which can

Many places gladly accept used books in good condition.

You can drop off novels, magazines, or educational materials here. Residents can use these for personal reading or group activities like book clubs. You can improve their quality of life by giving them more ways to connect and spark imagination!

11. Hospitals & Care Facilities

Patients in hospitals often feel lonely or bored. Donating books can help them pass the time and find comfort. Many care centers welcome used books for waiting rooms and patient areas.

Your donations can bring joy to people who need it most.

Select light reads or inspiring stories that are easy to follow. Avoid worn-out or damaged books—it’s better if they’re clean and presentable. Call ahead to check the guidelines before dropping off your donation.

Small actions, like sharing a book, can brighten someone’s day in hard times.

Book Donation for Environmental Sustainability

Donating books can help reduce waste and protect the planet. Instead of throwing old books away, give them a second life through eco-friendly options.

12. Book Recycling Programs

Recycle old books to help the planet. Paperback books go straight into paper recycling, but hardback covers are removed first. Recycling centers turn these materials into new products like notebooks or tissues.

Damaged books can still have a purpose. Upcycle them! Use their pages to craft bookmarks, gift tags, or art pieces. This keeps waste out of landfills while sparking creativity.

13. Repurposing Damaged Books

Turn torn pages and old books into creative treasures. Use them as art pieces or crafts. Create unique home decor like paper wreaths, bookmarks, or handmade cards. Damaged covers can become wall art with a vintage touch.

Upcycle books into small furniture pieces. Stack sturdy ones to make stools or side tables. Recycle unusable parts through book recycling programs for sustainability. Repurposing helps the planet while sparking imagination!

How to Prepare Your Books for Donation

Check your books for damage. Missing pages or stains might indicate that they are not suitable. Wipe off dust and pack them in boxes or bags for easy transport.

Sorting and Assessing Book Condition

Separate your books into piles. Keep those in good shape for donation. Check for torn pages, water damage, or missing covers—most places won’t accept them.

Recycle damaged books to help the environment. Some programs can upcycle them into new items like notebooks or art projects. Always inspect each book before donating to ensure it’s ready for a new reader to enjoy!

Cleaning and Packaging Best Practices

Wipe your books with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust. Use a slightly damp cloth for sticky spots, but avoid soaking the covers. Make sure they are completely dry before packing.

Use sturdy boxes or reusable bags for packaging. Group books by category—fiction, non-fiction, kids’ books—to make them easy to handle. Don’t overfill; keep boxes light enough to lift safely.

Add padding if needed to protect fragile covers or spines during transport.

In Summary

Giving away used books is easy and helpful. You can share them with schools, libraries, or charities. This simple act keeps books out of landfills and helps others enjoy reading. Look for places near you that accept donations, like hospitals or retirement homes.

Think about how your old books can inspire someone else’s imagination. Start sorting through your shelves today—every book can make a difference! Your gift could spark joy for another reader while keeping the planet green.

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