Have you reached that chapter in your life where you’re looking to give away some used books?
Well, if you’re looking to donate to a local Boise organization, we’ve listed everywhere you can donate below, including how to donate and which types of books each place will accept! Let’s help find those books a new home.
Book It Forward
Donation Types: Drop off, Drop off in book bin
Cabin Literary Center Location: 801 S. Capitol Blvd, Boise, ID 83702
Hours: 9am-5pm Tuesday-Friday
Book Bin Locations:
– Barnes and Noble, 1315 N. Milwaukee St., Boise, ID 83704
– United Way of Treasure Valley, 3100 S. Vista Ave., Boise, ID 83705
– Treasure Valley YMCAs (Downtown, West, and Caldwell locations)
Type of Books Accepted: Children’s books, young adult books
Website: Idaho Voices
How to Donate
You can drop books off at the Cabin Literary Center during their opening hours. Otherwise, book bins are located at the stores listed above. The book bin drop boxes may be inside the businesses, so be sure to check opening hours before you drop off.
Why We Love Book It Forward
Their numbers are incredible… since Spring 2013, Book It Forward has donated over 750,000 books to children in Boise. Their mission is to increase access to books for children, particularly those in low-income homes, and their work has seen them snag numerous local awards.
They’ve also helped to send books to a middle school in Puerto Rico, and fund a school library in South Africa.
Friends of the Boise Public Library
Donation Type: Drop off
Primary Location: 762 River Street, across from the main library
Hours: Monday, Thursday, Friday 11am-1pm
Type of Books Accepted: Fiction, non-fiction, encyclopedia sets pre-1950
Type of Books Not Accepted: Reader’s Digest, modern encyclopedias, school yearbooks, law books
Website: Friends of the Boise Public Library
How to Donate
Bring your books to the River Street location opposite the main library. Please note that currently, no Boise Public Library branch is accepting donations. All books should be brought to the above address.
If you have larger donations (1o boxes or more) they ask that you please inform them so they can arrange a time to receive your books. You can email the Friends at: treecitybooks@gmail.com
Why We Love The Boise Public Library
Libraries are the cornerstones of any community. All donated books are sold at Tree City Books by the Friends to raise money for library programs and events.
Friends of the Ada Community Library
Donation Type: Drop off (arrange a time)
Hidden Springs Location: 5868 W Hidden Springs Dr, Boise, ID 83714
Lake Hazel Location: 10489 Lake Hazel Rd, Boise, ID 83709
Type of Books Accepted: Contact them to check
Website: Ada Community Library
How to Donate
Please contact the library at this link to arrange a drop off time, and to ensure they will accept your books. This is another great opportunity to support a local library system, knowing your books will be redistributed in the community.
Well, from charities to local libraries, Boise is certainly not short of places that will take your books. It was great to be able to spotlight the organizations doing great work in the community, and I hope this guide has helped you find the right place to give your books a new home.
Cover image credit: Ada Community Library