topic Re: Where to donate books? in Community Chat

Where to donate books?

Witchy Woman — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 15:25:20 GMT

Some time back, someone posted the name of a group that will take all used/old books.

Local libraries are not interested, nor are most charitble groups. These are not antique or valuable.

This group had dropoffs at many locations around the country, but I've lost my computer bookmarks and cannot remember the name.

Does that ring a bell for anyone?

Thanks!

Re: Where to donate books?

zitawins — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 15:30:31 GMT

I don't know where you live, but I am surprised that your local library won't take used books. All of the libraries in my suburban area have yearly book sales and put out flyers asking for used books.

How about nursing homes or shelters? Wish I could offer more advice.

Re: Where to donate books?

NicksmomESQ — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 15:34:17 GMT

I recently donated a lot of children’s books to the local elementary school.They were over the moon & couldn’t thank me enough.

I gave a bunch of adult books to the local hospital & as well as the senior center.They were also happy to get them.

Re: Where to donate books?

bluehost — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 15:34:38 GMT

Recycle center.

Re: Where to donate books?

OKPrincess — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 15:37:29 GMT

I took some books to a large used book store in our city several times and have some in the car to take to them now.

Most non profit stores (Goodwill) appreciate donations for resale. They need the money. Also try shelters.

Re: Where to donate books?

proudlyfromNJ — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 15:38:06 GMT

@bluehost wrote:
Recycle center.

That's what we had to do with my parents books when they moved to assisted living. Library wouldn't take them and we had to get the house emptied fast so off they went.

Re: Where to donate books?

Group 5 minus 1 — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 15:40:05 GMT

Goodwill or Sally Ann?

Re: Where to donate books?

wagirl — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 15:41:14 GMT

There is a place near me that will pay for your books, videos, magazines, to sell in their store. they have to be in good shape and you don't get very much but it's something. We go every few months and maybe et enough cash for lunch. Works well for us.

Re: Where to donate books?

Witchy Woman — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 15:44:30 GMT

I've thought of everything mentioned here and may revisit some of those ideas.

However, the group mentioned was one I'd not heard of and, when I went to their website, it seemed a worthwhile group.

Just wish I could remember the name!

Oh, many of the books are Readers Digest Condensed books, so not exactly classics.

There is no rush to get them out -- just trying to streamline a large bookshelf.

And, getting anything for them is not a priority. I'd be happy just to get rid of them!

Re: Where to donate books?

ValuSkr — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 15:42:23 GMT

Some used book stores will take them. I don't think you'll get a lot of money, but it's better than throwing them in the trash. There's a market for used books that "look good" on a shelf; designers want them to line the shelves of McMansion home libraries.

Re: Where to donate books?

sidsmom — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 15:47:55 GMT

@Witchy Woman

You might try using the search function ^^^^^ above.

Taking it further, you can ‘advance search’ phrases.

HTH!

Re: Where to donate books?

Witchy Woman — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 15:51:06 GMT

OK, I think I figured out that it is Better World Books.

They have dropoff boxes and there is one in my area.

I'm bookmarking the site again, so, hopefully, I'll remember.

From the website:

Where do my books go?

Every book you drop off will be put to good use. Books are sold online to help raise funds for awesome non-profit literacy organizations changing the world through teaching kids, supporting families, building schools and filling libraries. In fact, a percentage of the net sale price of every book goes to these great causes. Any books we can’t sell are either donated directly to one of our non-profit partners or recycled.

Re: Where to donate books?

Witchy Woman — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 15:54:36 GMT

@sidsmom

Yes, I tried that, but nothing came up. Admittedly, I didn't spend much time trying.

I had a specific name in mind.....and, thankfully, I found it by doing a bit more searching online for book dropoffs in my immediate area.

But, thanks for the reminder

Re: Where to donate books?

CelticCrafter — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 15:54:38 GMT

@Witchy Woman

Was it Better World Books?

Re: Where to donate books?

LUVNLIFE — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 15:55:36 GMT

Nursing homes, retirement apt. complexes, second hand shops, Goodwill, or Freecycle.com.

Re: Where to donate books?

Witchy Woman — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 15:57:01 GMT

@CelticCrafter

Yes, it was!

I did another search for "book dropoffs" with the name of the town and it popped up!

After visiting the website, I knew that was the place I had checked on before.

Thankfully, their drop box is in the neighboring town where I often shop!

Re: Where to donate books?

lainey1 — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 16:01:36 GMT

My local library has a book sale every year. I took a lot of books there one year and unfortunately no one could help me with all the boxes of books I had and ended up carrying them into the library by myself. So that was the last time I took books to them.

Now I donate them to the Vietnam Veterans. I call and schedule a pick up and they come and pick up my donations right at my front door. I like that the proceeds from the sale of the books and other items help our veterans.

Re: Where to donate books?

trenet — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 16:04:45 GMT

Other book donation possibilities are VA hospitals, military bases, and the USO. Even if you are not in an active military community, many airports have USO lounges.

Re: Where to donate books?

Witchy Woman — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 16:17:15 GMT

@lainey1

I tried the Purple Hearts organization, but they will not come down my long driveway to pick up. Their main dropoff is quite a distance from my home.

I'm willing to just haul a few books at a time to the pickup boxes at Better World Books -- the organization I was trying to remember.

Re: Where to donate books?

Sooner — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 16:17:59 GMT

We just dropped off two BIG boxes at the Salvation Army yesterday and they were happy to have them.