This post is all about where to donate kids books.
Your shelves may be overflowing with children’s books. Your kids also may have books that they are just no longer interested in. Does this sound like you? If so, it might be time to consider getting rid of them.
In my opinion, the best way to part with these children’s books is by donating them. With book donations, other people will be able to enjoy these wonderful stories. The good news is that you will have so much room for new books!
Let’s talk about the many different ways you can donate these children’s books.
How to Donate Kids Books
Step 1: Gather Your Kids’ Books
So, do you feel ready to purge? The best way to start the process is by gathering all of the books that your children have outgrown or are no longer reading. Look for picture books that are still in good condition.
Step 2: Clean and Sort the Books
It’s time to give your books a little TLC with a wipe to remove any dust or grime. We know that sticky hands like to leave handprints everywhere. I typically just use a baby wipe.
I would avoid donating books that have torn-out pages. My general rule of thumb is if I do not want to receive it in that condition, I do not donate it.
Step 3: Explore Donation Options
Let’s talk about all of the many ways to donate those books! Below, we have listed some great places to donate kid’s books.
Where to Donate Kids Books in the United States
Here are some of the best places to donate your books…
1. Your Local Goodwill: This will probably be the first stop for many book donations. The donation process is easy. Simply pull up to the store. From there, a Goodwill employee will meet you at your car and accept your boxes (during regular business hours).
To check if there are Goodwill drop-off locations near you, visit their website.
2. The Salvation Army (or any thrift store): This process is going to be super similar to Goodwill. Thrift stores are going to be one of the easiest ways to donate books.
3. Facebook Marketplace: There are so many parents, teachers, and caregivers of young children who will happily take your box of books! On Facebook Marketplace, it is so easy to give away things for free. Post a picture to a local Facebook group and connect with others who are interested in the free books. Then, you can then tell them it’s available for “porch pickup.” That means they will come to your home and pick up the books without any interaction. This might be one of the best ways to donate books without leaving your home!
4. Local Schools: Reach out to some local schools and see if they are interested in any donations. Teachers are always looking for books to fill the shelves of their classroom library. They certainly appreciate fresh books to teach important literacy skills in the classroom.
5. Public Libraries: Call your local library and see if they would be willing to accept book donations. Neighborhood libraries will have different rules regarding donations so it’s best to call ahead. Local libraries may truly value the donation of used books because they have so many literacy programs.
6. Little Free Library: Have you ever seen a little free library in your neighborhood? I absolutely adore these! A little free library is a small book-sharing box where people can take and leave books for free. Find more information here: Little Free Library Map. These little free libraries are such a nice addition to local communities.
Keep in mind that the boxes have limited space, so if you have boxes of books, it may be best to consider another donation spot.
7. Women’s Shelters: Women’s shelters may be accepting children’s books. To find a local women’s shelter near you, please click this link. It’s a good idea to call ahead before any donation drop off.
8. Children’s Hospitals: Waiting rooms and children’s units may appreciate gently used children’s books. Because hospitals can be intimidating for little ones, these books can help brighten their days and distract them from their worries. Check with your local health care hospital to see if they are accepting donations.
9. Daycare Centers: Daycare teachers will likely appreciate donations of books to read to little ones! It’s nice to know that your books will continue to be read in settings like this. They will definitely have a good home!
10. YMCA Centers: YMCA Centers often have childcare and other children’s activities. These community centers may be able to put these donated books to good use.
11. Homeless shelters or Group Homes: Many shelters offer programming for children and families. They may be willing to accept many different types of books, but it’s always helpful to call before dropping them off.
12. Local Churches: If your picture books need a new home, reach out to your local church. Many churches have childcare options and children’s programming where used books would be greatly appreciated.
13. Local Book Drive: Be on the lookout for local book drives that may be happening in your area! This is a great way to contribute your used books. Some of the best books I have discovered have been through book drives!
14. Better World Books: Better World Books is an online platform that sells new and used books. They also support a lot of literacy initiatives. Donations are accepted through a drop box. For every book sold, a book is donated to someone in need. To find out if there is a drop-off location near you, click this link.
15. Digital Swapping Websites: If you are interested in getting books in return, consider some book-swapping websites. Here are a few that I have used: BookMooch and PaperBackSwap (a fun place to swap paperback books).
Why Should I Donate Used Kids Books?
The books I read to my children hold a lot of memories. I will always associate certain books with sweet bedtime snuggles or big family milestones. Because I have so many wonderful memories of reading certain books, it can be really difficult to part with books.
I have found that donating books is the perfect solution!
When you are donating old books (especially children’s books), you are not only decluttering to make room for even more amazing books. You are making an impact on literacy, children’s well-being, and the environment. Let’s talk about this in more detail.
Donating Books Helps Children Access Books
Access to books is a vital factor in a child’s educational journey. Donating used kids’ books provides children from underserved communities with an opportunity to explore new worlds, learn valuable lessons, and improve their reading and comprehension skills. By fostering a love for reading, we empower these young minds to excel academically and develop a lifelong passion for learning.
Donated Books Spread Joy and Imagination
Children’s books are filled with wonder, creativity, and imagination. When we donate used kids’ books, we share the magic of storytelling with others, enriching their lives and sparking their imaginations. The joy of reading extends far beyond the pages of a book, leaving a lasting impact on the hearts of young readers.
Donating Books Helps the Environment
Do you know that donating your used kids’ books can make a big difference in our environment? When we reuse and recycle books, we help reduce waste and protect our planet. It’s a simple and friendly way to contribute!
Books are made from paper and other materials that come from nature. By giving away your old books instead of throwing them away, you are helping to save trees and reduce the need to produce new books. This means less cutting down of trees and less strain on our natural resources.
Imagine each book you donate as a little step toward a greener world! It might seem small, but when we all do our part, it adds up to something significant.
