Hello everyone,
I (24f) am currently in a situation where I’m considering donating a good amount (~400) of my beloved books, many of which I’ve held onto since my teenage years (15-19), to local libraries. My schedule has become too tight with work and studies, leaving me with little time for reading.
While my partner wants me to keep the books, the thought of these stories finding new readers in a library setting is quite appealing. On the other hand it feels like giving a part of myself away. Have any of you ever donated your books to libraries? How was your experience, and do you think it’s a worthwhile endeavor?
I’d love to hear your thoughts and perhaps gather some insights before making a decision.
by flugeant
9 Comments
Before you donate the books, talk to the Library Directors of the libraries to which you are considering donating the books about their collection development policies. Many public libraries will only add donated books to their collections that are fairly new (publication year within the last 5 years), or books that can replace books that were damaged or stolen. If a library has a book sale, most of the books may end up there, to fund programming and buy newer materials that young people are more likely to check out.
Generally, in all likelihood they will put them on a table and sell them for a dollar or two. The money might go to the library but the books won’t be put on the shelves for checking out. There are very specific procedures for the books the libraries have available on the shelves and it doesn’t include donated books. One reason, I believe, has to do with authors getting their royalties, another is the potential of people donating books that have … bugs 😳
Maybe if you find a library that is severely underfunded they will take them?
All libraries have different collection development policies. I’m a librarian, and at my library we do not accept donations unless the book is in brand new condition. But I know of libraries that do take donations, so it is a possibility. I would call your library and ask about their donation policy. The worst they can say is ‘no.’
Also, you can try looking at senior centers, hospitals, or other community organizations- many places in town that you wouldn’t think of first are always looking for book donations!
As others have said check with the library before you donate. Many won’t add donated books to their collection. I’ve read a few posts from people who were heartbroken when they learned their donations were sold off for way less than they were worth.
There are lots of other places who would love the donation. Depending on the books, schools, youth centers, and senior centers are a few options to consider
they’ll likely just resell them. i’d split them up between libraries and thrift stores. thrifts see how i get majority of my books
Are there any free book swaps near you? As others have said, libraries unlikely to accept them but popping a few at a time into a free community library swap might mean they get to people who will appreciate them.
Most libraries won’t want them
We accept donations and the useful books we add to our catalogue. Visitors can take the rest for free. We receive a few hundred books every year and so far everybody accepted our policy.
I donate to a used book store and they give me tons of store credit (so I can come home with more books).