Where can I donate books to?

[garric]

Where can I go to donate my books? I have a bunch of books laying around that I never read but I'm sure many people in need could benefit from them. The only problem is that I live in a rather wealthy suburb of California, so needless to say most people have all they need. I went to the library and they gave me a strange look and said "We've already got all the books we need", then I went to some good-will place and they said they only accept clothes because people in Africa can't read in English. Urrgh! Where do I go to donate these books?

They are in good condition, stuff like Huck Finn, Black Boy, Poe's stuff, Harry Potter, and a bunch of "science" books (History of Robotics, Titanic Explored). I've donated clothes and money before and I think books would be helpful.

 

[Sidhe]

Where can I go to donate my books? I have a bunch of books laying around that I never read but I'm sure many people in need could benefit from them. The only problem is that I live in a rather wealthy suburb of California, so needless to say most people have all they need. I went to the library and they gave me a strange look and said "We've already got all the books we need", then I went to some good-will place and they said they only accept clothes because people in Africa can't read in English. Urrgh! Where do I go to donate these books?

They are in good condition, stuff like Huck Finn, Black Boy, Poe's stuff, Harry Potter, and a bunch of "science" books (History of Robotics, Titanic Explored). I've donated clothes and money before and I think books would be helpful.

Charity shops in the UK are crammed with second hand books, they sell them then pass the money on to their related charity, so the language difference is not an issue? Do you not have similar places in the US?

EDIT: BCLG's post reminds me that second hand book shops buy them, you wont get a lot but it's better than nothing, try out his way too maybe. You can also sell second hand books on Amazon.

 

[BCLG100]

You could sell them at a car boot sale and then donate the money to charity?

 

[garric]

I really don't have time to do a garage sale, and I doubt many people will buy these. My intention is not to sell them but to donate. There are no drop boxes for these?

 

[ybbor]

your local church could probably direct you to a good ministry. Also, check school libraries equal to the level of books you have. We always here a lot about underfunded school districts.

 

[jamiethearcher]

the school down the street from my parents house (where i grew up) has a giant used book sale every year as a fundraiser - i am sure there is a school near you who would love to have your books.

 

[El_Machinae]

When I read the title, I immediately thought "the Library or Goodwill". But, I guess you don't have those options. Which I find weird.

I heartily commend you for wanting to donate them, though. I also am quite adverse to throwing out books, and think that people would benefit from having them passed down.

... I'm still stunned the library wouldn't take them ...

Maybe there is a college that would like to get them?

 

[Abaddon]

Add them to the "Public Transport Library!"

Simply write a little note inside the cover explaining you left the book on purpose, and hope that the person reading this note will enjoy the book, and then pass it on aswell.


Done this a couple of time, and found a fair few books myself.

Just leave them on a train or bus... include your email addy perhaps so people can contact you and give you a warm fussy feeling inside knowing you have done a pro-active good deed

 

[malclave]

The hospital where I work has a library of sorts... I think the volunteers take a cart around for patients to borrow from. So maybe give the volunteer office in a local hospital a call?

A Boys & Girls Club (or similar organization) in a nearby town might appreciate them.

 

[Cuivienen]

A local school, I suppose. A library that doesn't accept book donations is strange.

 

[Perfection]

I'll take any good sciency books.

I'm no tax write off, but I'm most appreciative!

 

[amadeus]

What about a used book store? I'm sure if the things are in good condition they'll take them. Here in Minnesota, we have a chain of stores called Half Price Books. They'll buy your used books from you. You generally won't get a lot of money, but at least they'll take them from you.

 

[Kan' Sharuminar]

Most of the major shopping chains around here have a recycling area that includes a book bank. If not, I'd suggest charities for all your second hand book giving needs.

 

[Narz]

Goodwill takes books. I used to work there. On weekends we'd get hundreds of books (some I'd read on the job when things were slow and no one was watching ).