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As a book lover, I am constantly devouring through literary story after literary story. Diving into one adventure after another, escaping reality with a love story or a classic tale. Reading through chapters, learning about my favorite celebrities, or a historical moment. With this thirst to explore the art of words comes a collection of books gathering dust.
One of the first things I purchased for my new apartment back in November was a bookshelf. Before I was chaotically stacking my books on my windowsill, leaving very little room for sunlight to come in. I knew I had to get my beloved books organized in a way that decluttered my apartment. The problem I have now is that I am running out of spade within my bookshelf, leaving me once again stacking books in unwanted places. As I was trying to figure out the best possible solution to my clutter, I realized that there are books I own that I no longer have use for. I have never been one to reread a book, even the ones I adore the most. I have books on the shelf that I am not a fan of or stopped reading altogether because I found the storyline to not have substance or I couldn’t fully get into. The ones I loved and the ones I wasn’t the biggest fan of are sitting on the shelf, collecting dust. What better use for them than to donate to those in need. Of course, I have books I will never part with like Little Women or Harry Potter, but there are plenty that I can get rid of, leaving room for more books to come.
I donate makeup products to Dress For Success as much as I can. I donate, sell, or recycle my clothes when I have grown out of them or no longer want them. I donate food to my church once a month. I knew what to do and where to go with my donations, but what to do with all these books? I could easily do the New York thing and leave them on my stoop for someone to pick up. The only problem is it’s not guaranteed that my Super will not throw them in the trash. That is my biggest concern with throwing away books. If we throw away used books they will end up in landfills, and well, the pollution from landfills is hazardous to our environment. Plus I find it sacrilegious to throw away books. So I did a little research and here is what I have come across.
Online Programs: There are many online organizations that allow you to sell for profit or donate used books. When you donate your used books to these organizations, they usually benefit some charity or community project. If you choose to sell your book, well there is nothing wrong with making a little cash profit so you can buy more books. Here is a list of programs where you can sell or donate your books to.
Hospitals: Whether you have children’s books or adult literature to get rid of, hospitals of all kinds welcome the donation. Many children hospitals with long term patients usually have a program where they have people come in to read to them, books passed out amongst the patients to read, and reading material in the waiting rooms for loved ones. Books are a way for patients to enjoy, get lost in a story, and help relieve stress. Call your local hospital to see if they are accepting donations.
Women Shelters: Not only are women shelters looking for clothes and food donations, but they are also wanting books to give to the women and children residing there. A lot of the women at these shelters may not have the money to purchase new books for themselves or loved ones. It’s a wonderful way to entertain the children; help them grow and learn. It can also be an educational tool for the women as well. Find a shelter near you to see if they are accepting book donations.
Operation Paperback: In 1999 Chief Master Sergeant Rick Honeywell was deployed in Kuwait for 4 months. After realizing the lack of entertainment at the base, his wife Chrissy and father-in-law Dan, along with other Air Force spouses, started sending books overseas and statewide to those serving our country. Thus creating Operation Paperback. Once you sign up to donate books, they will send you an address to where you can ship your package. Knowing you are helping those in or out of active duty by giving them some peace of mind is worth donating an entire library. They also donate to veterans as well.
Schools: When I started asking around about where to donate books, a lot of people suggested schools. This one you will need to research organizations within your community that helps with donation drives or simply call your local school to see if they are accepting donations. Here in NYC, I found Project Cicero. They accept gently used books for children and young adults. Collected books are then displayed as what I would call a book fair for qualified teachers from underprivileged schools to attend. The teachers can take home as many books as they wish. While I wish I could donate my books to schools, unfortunately, I think the books I own are a little too adult. But if you have children’s books lying around that your kids are much too old for, donating them to schools, daycares, or preschools is a great option.
Adult Literacy Programs: Just like schools, Adult Literacy Programs could always use book donations. Whether its educational material or simply a beach read, donate your books to help adults develop literacy and language skills. Many of these adults grew up in underprivileged communities where they couldn’t afford books or education, and some may come from overseas trying to learn the English language. You can research local ALP programs in your community or worldwide charities.
Libraries: Although it seems a little silly to donate a book to a place that is filled with books, local libraries can always use donated reading material. A lot of local libraries raise money by hosting book fairs. Donating your used books for them to sell helps them continue their community programs and projects– thus benefiting everyone in the local area! Call up your local library to see what books they may be in need of or if they could use for their book fair.
Better World Books: Collecting from libraries, donations, and schools, Better World Books sell used books to benefit the environment, nonprofit literacy organizations, and those affected by hurricane disasters. For every book sold Better World Books donates a book to those in need through partnered charities. They also fund literacy and educational non-profits providing million-dollar grants. They have dropbox locations all over the world —enter your zip code in to find one near you.
Prisons: With a little researched I found an organization here in NYC called Books Through Bars. Although they do not donate to prison libraries specifically, they send a care package to inmates who request books. I do not know the ins-and-outs of every prison in the city, but I figured many may not have a library for inmates to enjoy. Those that do have a library are usually understocked. All you have to do is drop off your books at their location in Brooklyn- they do not do pickups. Before you load up all your books to be donated, please do a little research. I know Books Through Bars have strict guidelines on what books you can and can not donate.
Nursing Homes: My 97yr old grandmother still loves to read. I think I get my love for books from her. I know when I am at her age I will be spending my days reading and rereading books I love. It’s a great opportunity for the older generation to enjoy fun beach reads, books on historical moments, or romance novels. Call the local nursing home in your area to see if they are accepting book donations and if they have any guidelines as to what type of books they accept.