Where to donate used books?

jazzomine

Just did a major purge of my bookshelves and have a few boxes of books I want to donate. Only place I can think of is Housing Works, which will be pretty pricey. Any local ideas?

jazzomine

Uhhh, just answered my own question. Looks like the library takes 'em.

emily

Yep, but as a librarian (not at BPL) let me add one piece of information: libraries usually take book donations to sell to raise money, not to add them to the collection (unless you've got something rare and interesting). Libraries have policies on how to acquire books and don't want to pay processing and storage costs on random stuff. So donate away, but don't be insulted if they don't add your donations to the collection.

jazzomine

Thanks for the insight. Not offended at all. If I've deemed them no longer desirable, I suspect that the library will too. Just hope they fetch a little cash for the library.

roux42

I put books in front of my building and people take them. If there is a block party or neighborhood fundraiser going on you could donate them. Hospitals, retirement homes and shelters love having books dropped off.

Please do not put them in the trash!

raw

jazzomine wrote: Uhhh, just answered my own question. Looks like the library takes 'em.

The library might throw them away. If the books are popular and in good condition, and you do not want them thrown away, it'd be better to sell them online or maybe a store like the Strand will take them.

eterpay

Housing Works on Crosby Street. They'll give you a receipt for your taxes as well.

mr. met

i'll take anyone's used books