13 Places You Can Donate Old Books

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on places to donate books.  If you have tons of books stashed in your basement or attic, this post is for you.  Especially, books that have been sitting in boxes collecting dust for years. If your children have outgrown many of their books, they can benefit others.  There are non-profit organizations that would love to have your used books.  Yes, they will send them to third world countries to under privileged children, Vietnam Vets and more.

Places to Donate Old Books:

• Books for Soldiers – First, both Books for Soldiers and Operation Paperback connect volunteers directly with soldiers stationed overseas who have requested specific book titles or genres.  But, you are responsible for shipping the books overseas.  The average cost is approximately $20 per care package. Add in a few homemade cookies or letters, cards or pictures drawn by your kids.
• Books for Africa  – Second, Books for Africa collects, sorts, ships, and distributes books to students of all ages in Africa with the goal of ending the book famine.  Children’s books are a perfect donation.
• Kids Need to Read –  Fortunately, Kids Need to Read provides books to underfunded schools, libraries, and literacy programs across the United States.  The books provide reading opportunities for disadvantaged children.  Like new books are always welcome.
• Donation Town –  Additionally, Donation Town helps charities and donors connect.  They pick-up your donations, and distribute them to charities in needs.  Just enter your zip code on the Donation Town website, and schedule a pickup. Pickup may not be available in all areas.
• Day Care Centers – Contact your local day cares or After School Programs to see if they need books.
• Vietnam Veterans of America –  Also, Vietnam Veterans of America is a non-profit organization committed to serving the needs of veterans.  Contact your local office for needs and pick-up.
• Books to Prisons –  Next, volunteer-run nonprofits like Books Through Bars and Books to Prisoners connect your old books with incarcerated individuals across the country.  The program has hopes of fostering a love of reading behind bars and breaking the cycle of recidivism through education and empowerment.
• Books Through Bars – In addition, Books Through Bars works to provide quality reading material to prisoners in Pennsylvania and surrounding states.  If you live in Pennsylvania or the surrounding area, this is a good charity to contact.
• Women’s Shelters – Women’s Shelters always need donations.  As a result, contact your local Women’s or Men’s Shelters to see if they would like to receive old book donations.  Many Women’s Shelter’s have mothers who have their children with them.  So, they take children’s books too.
• Goodwill – Next, Goodwill is one of my favorite stores.  I browse their book section to find books for my grandchildren.  I can always find a book or two for my thrift haul.  Most importantly, Goodwill provides job training, employment placement services, and other community-based programs.  The training helps people who have barriers preventing them from obtaining a job.
• Salvation Army – Additionally, the Salvation Army is another one of my favorite thrift stores.  They have a great book section in their resell stores too.  Proceeds from their stores are used to fund Rehabilitation Centers.  The Rehabilitation Centers help people who are in the grips of addiction to find help, hope, and a second chance at life.
• Habitat for Humanity – Habitat for Humanity has resell stores, so inquire as to whether they are in need of books.  Unfortunately, the Habitat for Humanity store that I visit always has a small selection of books. Donating could really help them out. Maybe your local store is in need too.
• Local Libraries –   Last, most libraries have a Friends of the Library Society.  They accept Like New or Gently Used Books for fundraisers/resell for the local library.  So, contact your local library for information.

Finally, every charity needs certain types of books.  So,  you may have to donate to more than one organization to get rid of your entire stash.  Check with each charity to determine what their needs are before making a trip to drop the books off or arranging a pickup.