This post may contain affiliate links with references to products from our partners. Here’s how we make money.
Most people know where to donate used clothes and furniture but are clueless about where to donate used books. It will interest you to know that used books are in high demand especially by people who are looking to cut cost and save a few bucks.
Many organizations will be happy to take those used books off your hands. Some will even come to pick them up. Here are some of the best places to donate your used books.
1. Your Local Library
Clik here to view.
State or federal libraries are usually well funded and can buy many books each year. However, local libraries, especially those in smaller towns, are less lucky. Their resources are limited, and they often must rely on local communities for help.
Most libraries accept donations if the books are in good condition and the content isn’t outdated or offensive. The librarians will also be able to advise on what books are needed most (e.g. children books, Sci-fi, or specialized) and which categories are already awash.
2. Goodwill
Clik here to view.
The Goodwill organization that has been around for more than a hundred years is always looking for donations — including book donations. Goodwill sells books in some of their 3200 stores nationwide.
The proceeds from the books and other product sales are then used to fund various charitable initiatives, such as job training. In 2015 alone, the organization was responsible for 300,000 job placements in the country.
In the past, Goodwill also worked with women veterans and provided them with job training and placement services.
3. Satruck.org
Clik here to view.
Salvation Army thrift stores run goods collection service. The organization offers multiple methods on how the books can be given away, including free pick up services and drop-off centers.
Part of proceeds from book sales in the large network of thrift stores goes to emergency relief efforts and programs.
4. Salvation Army
Clik here to view.
Salvation Army operates in many countries worldwide. They provide a wide range of relief services.
Salvation Army may sell the books you donate or give them to those who need them. The sheer scale of the organization means that donated books can have a positive impact on a wide range of people and organizations.
Get A New “Fee Free” Bank Account
A convenient online bank that offers a full-service account. | |
Fees-free full-service bank that pays 0.9% APY. | |
An environmentally friendly bank that pays up to 1% APY. |
5. Your Local Church
Churches are often centerpieces for charitable events in communities. They usually run their own programs and support initiatives run by community members.
The local church is familiar with the problems and challenges the community faces and can direct the necessary resources from those with greater means to those in need.
The church can also help to create anonymity, as those in need may not want the community to know that they receive charity.
Some churches may even organize reading clubs, or have their own community libraries. This could mean a need for donors to help support the activities.
6. Local Charities
Depending on the size of the city, it’s likely that there are at a few local charities. They can differ in size, from one-man-band organizations serving local communities to the branches of large, national charities. Irrespectively of their size, they are usually in need of books. Whether it’s hardcover books or a few page comics for kids, they’ll need it.
The charities can also advice on the types of books they need.
7. Craigslist
Craigslist classified section can be a good place to advertise your items for donation. Some people may ask for specific titles, while others would appreciate almost any book they could get.
There are a lot of avid readers out there who would appreciate a lightly used book. You can also donate to collectors or book clubs, specializing in specific genres and categories.
8. Books for Africa
Clik here to view.
Books For Africa has been around for more than 30 years. It is the largest charity of its type operating in Africa.
Each year, it ships a few million books to 49 different countries. The organization has two collection centers in Minnesota and Georgia. People can also ship their books directly to the organization.
The charity encourages people to make small financial donations in addition to donated books because it helps to cover transportation costs to Africa.
Since it started, Books for Africa has shipped 28 million books to the African continent.
9. Operation Paperback
At any given time, tens of thousands of American soldiers are deployed oversees. Whether it’s an active military conflict or peacekeeping operation, books are a wonderful way for them to step away from their daily challenges and immerse themselves in a story.
In 2018, the book program shipped 150,000 books to the army men and army women. It’s not a small task to achieve, knowing that the U.S. military has bases scattered all over the world, including such places as Thule Air Base in Greenland. It is one of the largest initiatives of this type in the world.
10. Book Driver
Book drives are very popular. It is a situation in which members of the community drop off for donations.
It’s a fantastic way to get like-minded people to donate as many books as possible for a cause. Book drives are small, local events.
If you have books to donate, it would be helpful to get in touch with your local community center to see if there are schedule book drives.
11. Books Through Bars
Founded in 1990, the organization has been providing books to prisoners in Pennsylvania and its neighboring states.
Lack of funding for prison libraries and laws limiting the sources from which prisoners can get the books has resulted in poorly stocked prison libraries.
Books through bars operated entirely by volunteers. The organization has, on its website, a list of genres it needs.
The program helps the prisoners shift their attention from often gloomy daily routine to reading.
12. School library
Clik here to view.
Most school libraries would be more than happy to receive donated books. However, it is better to contact the library first to know what books they can accept.
You should avoid donating books that are likely to be inappropriate for a young people.
READ:
- 4 Easy ways To Stop Living Paycheck To Paycheck
- 25 Ways To Save $1000 Or More At Your Current Income
- 12 Garage Sale Tips To Make More Money
- 36 Legit Ways For Teens To Make Money
Final words
As you can see, there are many places to donate books. The knowledge stored in books is often timeless.
The fact that the books you once loved and cherished, will find a new home, where they will be read and explored, can bring joy and satisfaction.
Recycling your books is good for the environment too. Otherwise unwanted books often get thrown away and might take decades to decompose.
Get A New “Fee Free” Bank Account
A convenient online bank that offers a full-service account. | |
Fees-free full-service bank that pays 0.9% APY. | |
An environmentally friendly bank that pays up to 1% APY. |
The post 12 Best Places to Donate Books appeared first on WholesomeWallet - Get Better With Money.