Where to Donate Used Books (and What Gets Accepted)

Donating books is one of the most satisfying ways to clear shelves: the books find new readers and often raise money for a good cause along the way. But not every organisation can use every book. Matching your books to the right place makes sure they’re actually read rather than recycled.

Before you donate: check for value

It only takes a few minutes to make sure you aren’t giving away something worth real money. Look through for old books, first editions with dust jackets, signed copies, art and photography books, local history and current textbooks. Our Book Value Estimator and sell tool help you decide. For a large collection, request a review before donating.

Where to donate

Public libraries and Friends of the Library

Many libraries accept donations, often through a Friends group that sells them at book sales to fund library programmes. Some books may be added to the collection. Check guidelines first: many libraries limit quantities or decline certain types.

Thrift and charity shops

Charity shops sell donated books to fund their work. They accept a wide range of general reading in good condition. Call ahead for large donations.

Schools, colleges and childcare centres

Classroom libraries welcome good-condition children’s and young adult books. Universities and colleges may want academic books for their own sales. Ask teachers or librarians directly.

Book drives and literacy charities

Some organisations collect books for reuse, resale or shipment to communities that need them, sometimes via public drop boxes. Literacy charities may want children’s books specifically. Check what they currently accept.

Prison book programmes

Volunteer groups in many areas send books to incarcerated people who request them. Needs often include dictionaries, practical and educational nonfiction, and paperbacks, with rules on condition and format. Check each programme’s current wish list and requirements.

Hospitals, care homes and shelters

Waiting rooms, care homes and shelters sometimes accept recent, clean paperbacks, large-print books and puzzle books. Call first; some have limited space or hygiene rules.

Little Free Libraries

Neighbourhood book-sharing boxes are perfect for a few good-condition books at a time. Don’t overfill them, and choose books suited to the neighbourhood. Find them through the official Little Free Library map, linked from our finder.

Swaps and community groups

Book swap events, online swap networks and local community groups help books move directly to readers who want them.

What usually isn’t accepted

• Encyclopedia sets and outdated reference books
• Old textbooks, computer manuals and travel guides
• Condensed books and magazines
• Books with mould, water damage, strong smells, pest damage or heavy writing
• Books missing covers or pages

For these, use paper recycling. Many programmes accept paperbacks whole; hardcovers often need the cover removed first. Check your local rules.

How to donate well

1. Check value first so nothing special slips away.
2. Sort out damaged books for recycling.
3. Match books to the right place: children’s books to schools, general reading to libraries and charity shops, specific needs to specialist programmes.
4. Call ahead for large quantities.
5. Pack in manageable boxes clearly labelled by type.
6. Ask for a receipt if you may claim a deduction where you live.

The result: more books read, more money for good causes, and less paper in landfill.