Last updated: October 29, 2019

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.