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Whether you have a large or small amount of books, you know the feeling when you are done with them, but don’t want to part with them because they are still of value.
But then you can’t possibly keep stacking them in your home. So what do you do? You’re probably wondering what’s the best way to dispose of your old books so that they don’t end up in a landfill and waste resources.
Well, does Goodwill take books? Donating unwanted books to Goodwill is a good way to dispose of them while providing other people a chance to read them. However, you may be unsure if Goodwill really accepts books. Keep reading to find out!
Does Goodwill Take Old books?
Goodwill is a nonprofit that helps people who are striving to achieve a brighter future. The organization provides job training and employment opportunities for disadvantaged people like the homeless, those with disabilities and seniors. The organization also offers affordable clothing, household goods and all sorts of items to people in need. It is this mission that drives their efforts to accept various donations from within the community.
While Goodwill accepts all kinds of donations, they don’t necessarily take everything. For that reason, you may wonder whether or not they’ll take your books. Well, the good news is that Goodwill does accept books.
They have several centers throughout the country to take donations from individuals. With that being said, the books should be in decent condition and not moldy, or torn. If you have a large collection of books that are in pristine condition, then you can make an appointment to donate them at your local Goodwill. The books will be sold and the proceeds will go towards the running of the nonprofit.
Its best to check with your local Goodwill before you decide to donate your books. While some locations may accept certain volumes, others may not. In addition to that, some centers will also let you drop off books directly with them if they don’t have a place for you to leave them. Also, because Goodwill accepts so many other items, they likely won’t accept more than a few books at any one time.
Where else to donate books you don’t need
Oftentimes, we end up with more books than we can read or use. We might even have some books that we don’t want to give away because they’re special to us. But if you still have too many books, Goodwill is not the only place you can donate them to.
There are other organizations that will gladly accept your donations and put them to good use. The following are some places where you can donate books:
Used book stores and libraries
If the books you have are in decent condition, you may want to check with local used book stores or libraries in your area. These places appreciate donations of books that people no longer want so they can be passed on to others. So many libraries are strapped for cash and therefore, can’t always afford to buy new books.
If your books are still in good condition, consider donating them to the library in your area. A lot of people will benefit from reading these books, and you’ll feel good knowing that your donations are going to a good cause.
Give Friends, family and neighbors
If you have books that you know others would benefit from reading, like cookbooks or self-help books, consider giving them as gifts to family members or friends.
Or perhaps there’s someone in your neighborhood who can benefit from your donations. Donating books to people you know is another way of giving back. It’s a great way for you to give something to others that would be extremely valuable to them and can get a lot more use out of the books than you can.
Donate To Prisons
Another place you may not have thought of donating books is to prisons, jails and juvenile detention centers. These organizations often have a lot of books to get through but can’t always afford to buy new ones. If you have some you’d like to donate, one of the best things you can do is contact your local sheriff’s office or police department and inquire about their policy for book donations.
Some jails are even set up in a way that allows people outside the facility to send them books. You’ll be helping the inmates learn and read which can help them be better prepared to re-enter society.
Give To Local schools
Schools and colleges in your area may be in need of some books. Donating books to local schools is a great way to give children the opportunity to learn and pursue their dreams. It’s also a great way for you to spend time with your kids by giving them the chance to pick out some books they’d like to donate.
There are school fundraisers where the school will accept donations of gently used items that the parents can then purchase tickets for in order for their kids to help raise money for the school or sports teams. Take this opportunity to donate your books so that the students will have something to read and enjoy.
Final Thoughts
If you have books that you no longer want to keep, consider donating them to Goodwill, or another organization near you that accepts book donations. Although some of us love books and enjoy collecting them, we all have limited space in our home for the many volumes we’ve bought over the years.
Donating your old books is a great way to get more space and allow others to enjoy them as well. You can choose to donate your books to a local organization or even directly to Goodwill if they have a location in your area. At the end of the day, everyone wins when books are donated and put to good use!
FAQs
What does Goodwill accept Texas?
Goodwill accepts all sorts of donations, from school supplies to household items. They also accept books.
Are Goodwill’s stores closed on Sunday?
Yes, you can find many Goodwill locations open on Sunday. The stores are open to accept donations so that they can sell them at a discounted price.
