Arguably one of the most important parts of our book donations guides is the section that says which books organizations *can’t* accept.
The books that typically aren’t acceptable are kind of a recurring theme, so I thought it was important to distinguish these types of books and why they generally won’t be accepted by most places.
1. Magazines (including National Geographic)
These are typically not accepted anywhere as they’re just really outdated.
Think about it – if you received a used magazine as part of a program, are you really going to find any value in articles and topics from ten years ago? Magazines may hold sentimental value to some, but generally libraries and nonprofits don’t want these taking up space!
2. Encyclopedias
These are kind of an outdated form (does anyone have a new encyclopedia these days?) Either way, the information in old ones can be seen as dated and even wrong nowadays, and they don’t make for particularly thrilling reading!
3. Dictionaries
Lots of literacy charities and nonprofits exist to foster a love of reading for people of all ages. Dictionaries won’t, unfortunately, do this. Libraries will also struggle shifting used dictionaries at book sale events!
4. Educational Books
Some organizations will take books to do with computers, law, finance etc. if they’ve been published in the last few years, but the times move fast, and books like this that are more than a few years old won’t be accepted anywhere.
It’s important to say that by “educational books” I don’t mean textbooks. There are certain organizations set up where you can donate or sell textbooks, particularly in college towns, such as the book drop in College Station.
If you’re looking to donate books to prisons, check out our detailed guide which goes into why certain types of books that may be acceptable elsewhere won’t be for prison donations.
In summary, these are the common types of book that won’t be accepted for book donations:
- Magazines (including National Geographic)
- Encyclopedias
- Dictionaries
- Educational books more than a few years old
Chances are, if you have any good quality fiction or nonfiction books, and up-to-date self-help/educational books, you can’t go wrong finding a place that will accept them! I hope this guide has helped you figure out which of your books will be helpful.
Greetings! I’m Thomas Lane, founder/president of a small 501c3, (the Helen Hudson Foundation) that has worked primarily to help the homeless. I am also an author and I have many books I would like to donate –– but they are hardcover and apparently therefore not acceptable. Can you steer me towards an organization that does accept hard cover books s gifts to prisoners. Best if they are located in Rhode Island. Thanks!
Thomas, I’m sorry to say but prisons won’t accept hardback books. This is a general rule of thumb for prison book donations. If you’d like to find another place in RI to donate, please check out the list I’ve put together here: https://localbookdonations.com/rhode-island/
I was a preschool teacher for many years, My collection is looking for a new home> I see that the copyright needs to be the year 2000 and earlier. Any suggestions on what to do with my older books that are in good shape?
Thanks so much.
Karen – try Books for Africa.