Okay, maybe your bookshelves are groaning. Or you're finally tackling that box of college textbooks gathering dust in the attic. Maybe you just finished a massive decluttering spree. The question hits you: where can you donate books? Seriously, what are the best places? It feels like it *should* be simple, right? Just drop them off somewhere. But anyone who's actually tried knows it's not always straightforward. Sometimes places say no. Sometimes they only take specific types. It can be confusing.

I've been there. Boxes of books piled by the door, calling out to be donated, and spending way too much time searching online for "book donation near me" only to find contradictory info. It’s frustrating! That's why I dug deep. I wanted a list that covered everything – the obvious spots, the hidden gems, the places with specific needs, and crucially, the practical details you NEED before you load up the car. Things like what condition they accept, do they offer pickup, their hours... the stuff that actually makes donating possible. Let's cut through the noise and find the perfect new home for your pre-loved books.

Your Go-To Spots: Where to Donate Books Directly

These are the most common and accessible options when figuring out where to donate books. Each has its own vibe and requirements, so let's break them down.

Local Public Libraries

Libraries seem like the natural first stop, right? Well, hold on. This one surprised me too. Not all public libraries accept book donations. Seriously! Funding cuts, space limitations, or already overflowing donation bins mean many have strict policies or only run occasional sales. You absolutely MUST check your specific branch's website or call them *before* showing up with boxes. Assuming they *do* take them...

• What They Usually Take: Gently used popular fiction, recent bestsellers, children's books in good shape, sometimes DVDs/CDs. They crave stuff people will actually borrow or buy at their sale.
• What They Often Reject: Textbooks older than 5 years (often outdated), encyclopedias, magazines, anything moldy, torn, or highlighted to death. Old Reader's Digest Condensed books? Probably not.
• The Process: Usually involves dropping off during specific hours (often not during busy public hours!). Rarely offer pickup. Donations fuel their Friends of the Library book sales, which directly supports library programs. Find out their sale dates – you might score more books!

Call ahead! Don't assume. Library donation policies vary wildly town by town. Ask about condition guidelines and drop-off times. Seriously, save yourself a trip.

Charity Thrift Stores

Think Goodwill, The Salvation Army, Savers (Value Village), St. Vincent de Paul, and local hospice shops. These are major players in the "places to donate books" game. They sell donated books to fund their charitable programs. Convenience is a big plus – lots of locations, usually generous drop-off hours.

My local Goodwill is pickier than you'd think about textbooks. I learned that the hard way. One time they took a stack gratefully; another time, same location, they pointed to a sign rejecting *all* textbooks. Their pricing on books can feel a bit random too – sometimes a steal, sometimes surprisingly high for a worn paperback. Still, the convenience is unmatched.

Big Caveat: Thrift stores get SO many books. Quality matters. If it's falling apart, stained, or smells funky, please recycle it (check your town's rules!). Donating unsellable junk just costs them money to dispose of.

Used Bookstores (For Donation or Credit)

This is different! You're not technically "donating" for charity here, but it's a fantastic way to give books a second life and maybe get something in return. Stores like Half Price Books (nationwide chain) and countless wonderful independent bookstores often buy books outright or offer store credit.

• It's Selective: They only want what they know they can resell quickly. Think current bestsellers, popular fiction/non-fiction in great condition, unique or collectible books. That obscure academic monograph from 1985? Unlikely.
• The Process: Bring your books in during their buying hours (always check their website first!). A buyer will go through them and make an offer – cash or usually more in store credit. Be prepared for them to take only a portion.
• Benefits: Books stay in circulation locally. You get a little cash or credit for more books! Supports local businesses. Less waste.

Honestly, I love my local indie bookstore's trade credit system. It feels like a bookish ecosystem. They're usually pretty upfront about what they need ("We're drowning in James Patterson right now, sorry!"). Don't be offended if they pass on most of your box – it's just business. Ask if they have a free bin for the leftovers they can't buy – patrons often scoop them up!

Beyond the Basics: Specialized Places to Donate Books

Looking for places with more specific needs? Want your books to have a targeted impact? These options are golden when you're searching for where can you donate books that might not fit the thrift store mold.

Little Free Libraries

Those adorable little boxes popping up on lawns everywhere! The concept is beautiful: "Take a Book, Leave a Book." It's hyper-local and community-driven.

• Perfect For: Dropping off 1-5 books you think your neighbors might enjoy. Popular fiction, kids' books, cookbooks, recent paperbacks in good condition.
• Not Ideal For: Dumping boxes of encyclopedias, moldy books, or outdated textbooks. Be respectful! Don't overload a tiny box.
• How To: Use the official Little Free Library Map or just keep an eye out on your walks. Pop a couple of good condition books in whenever you pass one that looks a bit empty.

It's more of a gentle sharing than a mass donation spot, but I love the directness of it. Seeing a kid grab a book you left feels pretty great. Just don't treat it like a dumpster.

Schools, Daycares, and Preschools

Local educational institutions are often hungry for quality children's and young adult books! But again, don't just show up unannounced.

• Contact First: Call the main office or the school librarian (if they have one – sadly, many don't anymore). Ask if they accept book donations and EXACTLY what they need. Teachers might appreciate specific titles for their classroom libraries too.
• What They Crave: Gently used picture books, early reader books, popular middle-grade/YA series (Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, etc.), diverse books, books in excellent condition. Board books for preschools/daycares.
• What They Don't Need: Damaged books, outdated nonfiction (especially science/history), religious texts unless it's a religious school, adult fiction.

My friend teaches 3rd grade. She desperately needs engaging chapter books for her diverse readers but has zero budget. Donations like this make a real difference. Find out what specific teachers or the library actually wants before cleaning out your attic onto them.

Prisons and Correctional Facilities

This is one of the most meaningful places to donate books, filling a huge need. Prison libraries are often severely underfunded, and access to books is vital for education and rehabilitation. However, it's also the option with the strictest rules.

• Finding Programs: DO NOT mail books directly to a prison without explicit permission; they will be rejected. Instead, find organizations that facilitate prison book donations. National ones include:
  • Books Through Bars (Serves Mid-Atlantic region)
  • The Prison Book Program (Massachusetts-based, serves nationally)
  • Books To Inmates
  • Search for "prison book donation [Your State]" to find local initiatives.
• What's Needed: Paperback books ONLY (hardcovers are security risks). Dictionaries, thesauruses, GED prep, African American history, Native American studies, Latino studies, legal self-help, job skills, addiction recovery, mental health, spirituality (general, not proselytizing), quality fiction (especially classics, sci-fi, fantasy, mysteries), Spanish language books. Needs lists are VERY specific and change; ALWAYS check the organization's current guidelines meticulously.
• Strict Rejections: Hardcovers, spiral binds, books with underlining/highlighting, anything sexually explicit or promoting violence/racism/hate, books on criminal techniques, escape, or security. Even maps can be an issue.

Donating to prison programs requires effort – checking lists, ensuring paperbacks, packing correctly – but the impact is immense. One organization told me a single dictionary can be shared among dozens of inmates. It feels like giving access to a lifeline.

Libraries for the Blind and Print Disabled

Organizations like the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) in the US don't typically need regular print books. Their collections consist of Braille, audio (special format), and large print books produced specifically for their patrons. However, they sometimes need funds to produce these specialized materials.

Consider: If you have specialist large print books in excellent condition, contact your state's Talking Book library branch to ask if they accept them. More commonly, monetary donations help them create more accessible books.

Military Organizations and Overseas Programs

Groups like Operation Paperback collect gently used books and ship them to deployed U.S. troops and veterans. They have strict guidelines (paperbacks only, specific genres needed). Books For Soldiers is another well-known program (verify their current status/requirements).

Homeless Shelters, Domestic Violence Shelters, and Transitional Housing

These places often welcome books for both children and adults staying there. Books provide escape, comfort, and resources.

• Always Call First: Space and needs vary dramatically.
• Focus on Demand: Popular fiction, self-help, job skills, children's books (especially crucial!), uplifting or inspirational reads. Books in very good condition.
• Avoid: Anything overly violent, triggering, or inappropriate for a shared living space.

Online & Nationwide Book Donation Programs

Need convenience? Want to ship boxes easily? Or maybe you have textbooks or academic books? These organizations provide mail-in options, solving the "where can I donate books by mail" question.

Better World Books

Probably the biggest name in online book donation/recycling. Partner with libraries and colleges.

• How it Works: Pack your books (any condition, any type!). Print a free shipping label from their website (BetterWorldBooks.com). Drop off at UPS. Easy.
• What Happens: They sort everything. Sellable books are sold online; proceeds fund literacy programs worldwide. Unsellable books are recycled. They claim over 90% reuse/recycle rate.
• Perfect For: Large quantities, mixed condition books, textbooks, encyclopedias (hard to donate elsewhere!), CDs/DVDs. When convenience is key.
• The Catch: They are a for-profit company, though they partner with non-profits like Feed the Children and contribute heavily to literacy. Don't expect a tax receipt reflecting high value per book.

I've used Better World Books several times for boxes of mixed stuff – good novels, old textbooks, even some outdated reference books. The free shipping is a massive perk. Just know your books might end up being sold or recycled, not necessarily given away directly.

Books for Africa

A fantastic non-profit focused on one mission: shipping books to African countries to build libraries and support education.

• What They Need: Gently used primary/secondary school textbooks (less than 15 years old), reference books (dictionaries, atlases < 5 years old), children's books, university-level books relevant to African development (medicine, agriculture, business, law, computer science < 10 years old). Fiction only if it's specifically requested or for children/young adults.
• What They Can't Use: Damaged books, outdated science/tech books (>10 years), US history/civics books, magazines, journals, religious materials, adult fiction.
• How to Donate: They have collection sites around the US (check their website: BooksForAfrica.org). You can also ship directly to their Georgia warehouse (you pay shipping).

A rigorous vetting process ensures only truly useful books get shipped. This is a top choice for relevant textbooks and educational materials.

Local "Buy Nothing" Groups & Freecycle

Hyper-local and super immediate. Platforms like Facebook Buy Nothing groups or Freecycle.org connect you directly with neighbors who want your stuff.

• How it Works: Post a photo and description of your books ("Box of kids books, free pickup"). People in your neighborhood will claim them. You arrange porch pickup or a meet spot.
• Pros: Books stay local, go directly to someone who wants them, zero transport hassle for you (they come to you!), builds community, keeps stuff out of landfill.
• Cons: Requires managing claims/pickups. Books might not go to a "cause," just to another individual.

This is my go-to for smaller batches now. Seeing someone walk up with a big smile because they found the exact book they wanted for their kid? Priceless. And way faster than hauling boxes across town.

Before You Donate: Crucial Prep Steps (Don't Skip This!)

Knowing where can you donate books is step one. Making sure your donation is actually welcome is step two. This stuff matters.

I once excitedly dropped off a box of old college textbooks at Goodwill, only to find out later that specific location doesn't take *any* textbooks. Total waste of time. Lesson learned: always, always call ahead.

What About Books That Can't Be Donated?

Be honest. Some books are just past their useful life. Here's what to do with them:

• Recycling: Paperbacks can usually go straight into municipal paper recycling (remove any plastic covers if possible). Hardcovers are trickier: you must remove the cover and spine (the stiff boards and glue). Rip off the covers and bindings, recycle the paper pages. Check your local waste management rules – they vary.
• Upcycling: Get crafty! Use pages for decoupage, paper crafts, or wrapping paper. Make book page bouquets. Turn hardcovers into storage boxes or hidden safes (tons of tutorials online).
• Landfill (Last Resort): Only for books that are moldy, waterlogged, or otherwise contaminated beyond salvation. This should be rare.

The goal is to keep books out of the trash whenever humanly possible. But donating damaged goods isn't helpful either. Be responsible.

Your "Where Can You Donate Books" Questions Answered (FAQ)

Let's tackle the common head-scratchers that pop up when figuring out where to donate books.

Does Goodwill take book donations?

Generally, yes, most Goodwill locations accept gently used books (fiction, non-fiction, kids) in good condition. However, policies on textbooks, encyclopedias, magazines, or damaged books VARY SIGNIFICANTLY by region and even by individual store. Always, always call your specific Goodwill donation center before loading up the car. Ask: "Do you accept book donations today? Any restrictions?" Seriously, it saves hassle.

Where can I donate books near me?

Start with the obvious:

• Search Google Maps for "book donation near me", "thrift stores near me", "Goodwill donation center".
• Call your nearest public library branch.
• Check websites for major charities (Salvation Army, Savers) for their closest donation drop-off points.
• Search for "prison book donation [Your City]" or "Friends of the Library book sale [Your City]".
• Look for Little Free Libraries on your walks/drives.

Where can I donate textbooks?

Textbooks are notoriously hard to donate because they become outdated quickly. Your best bets:

• Used Bookstores: If they are recent editions (within 2-5 years) and in high demand (check Half Price Books or local stores).
• Better World Books: They accept textbooks of any age/condition via their mail-in program (free shipping label). They'll try to sell them; if not, they recycle responsibly.
• College/University Departments: Sometimes the specific department (e.g., Biology Dept.) might take recent editions for student use. Call and ask.
• Books for Africa: Only if they are relevant primary/secondary school texts less than 15 years old OR relevant university texts less than 10 years old.
• Libraries / Thrift Stores: Usually a NO for older textbooks, but sometimes accept very recent ones. Call first!

Where can I donate encyclopedias?

Hard truth: Encyclopedias (like World Book, Britannica) are incredibly difficult to donate because the information is outdated quickly, they are bulky, and libraries/thrift stores rarely want them.

• Best Option: Better World Books mail-in program. They will recycle them responsibly.
• Possible: Very local options like Freecycle or Buy Nothing groups – maybe someone wants them for art projects or a vintage decor look (unlikely, but possible).
• Reality: Most libraries and thrift stores will politely (or not so politely) decline. Be prepared to carefully recycle them (remove hard covers/bindings first).

Where can I donate children's books?

Kids books are usually in high demand! Great options include:

• Local public libraries (if they accept donations).
• Charity thrift stores (Goodwill, Salvation Army, Savers).
• Schools, daycares, preschools (call first!).
• Pediatrician/doctor offices waiting rooms (ask if they have a book exchange or accept donations).
• Homeless shelters/family shelters.
• Little Free Libraries.
• Buy Nothing/Freecycle groups.

Can I donate books to the library?

Maybe. Many public libraries do not routinely add donated books to their main collection. Instead, Friends of the Library groups often run book sales using donations. Funds raised support library programs. Key steps:

1. Visit your library branch's website. Look for "Donations," "Support Us," or "Friends of the Library."
2. Find their specific donation policy: What types do they accept? What condition? Drop-off times/locations?
3. Call if the info isn't clear online. Assume restrictions (no textbooks, encyclopedias, magazines, damaged books).
4. Respect their guidelines and drop-off times. Don't leave books outside!

Where can I donate books for pickup?

Free pickup is rare for books alone, usually reserved for large quantities or combined with furniture/household goods:

• The Salvation Army: Often offers scheduled pickups for larger donations. Call your local store.
• Vietnam Veterans of America (PickupPlease.org): Schedules pickups in many areas for household goods, including books.
• Local Charity Pickups: Some smaller charities or church rummage sales might advertise pickup services for large donations before a sale. Check local bulletins/websites.
• Better World Books: Mail-in, so technically no pickup, but free shipping labels solve the transport issue.

For most standard boxes of books, you'll likely need to drop them off yourself.

Does the Salvation Army take book donations?

Generally, yes, most Salvation Army Family Stores gladly accept gently used book donations (fiction, non-fiction, children's) during their donation center hours. Like Goodwill, restrictions on textbooks/encyclopedias apply. It's always smart to call your specific Salvation Army donation center to confirm before heading over, especially if you have a large quantity or questionable items. They also tend to be more reliable than Goodwill for offering scheduled pickups if you have a lot of stuff.

Wrapping Up: Giving Your Books a Meaningful Second Chapter

Figuring out where can you donate books takes a little legwork, but it's worth it. Whether your goal is decluttering, supporting a cause, keeping books out of landfill, or helping someone discover a new favorite read, there's a perfect new home out there. The key is matching your books to the right place and respecting their guidelines. Don't underestimate the power of calling ahead or checking a website – it saves everyone time and frustration.

Think about the life left in those pages. That novel could entertain a soldier overseas. That kids' book could spark a love of reading for a child whose family can't afford new books. That textbook could help a student in Africa. Or it could simply bring joy to another reader scrolling through a thrift store shelf. Take the time to donate thoughtfully. Your books deserve it, and the organizations receiving them will truly appreciate it.