Featuring local nonprofits that work in the community, as well as good ol’ public libraries, this is where you can find where you can donate your books locally in Birmingham.
The organizations we feature guarantee your books will be put to good use!
The Literary Council of Central Alabama
Donation Type: Drop off (arrange a time)
Location: 2301 1st Avenue North, Suite 102, Birmingham, AL 35203
Hours: Contact them before bringing books please!
Type of Books Accepted: Books in great condition for adults including dictionaries and thesauri
Type of Books Not Accepted: Children’s books, baby books, textbooks
Website: Literary Council
How to Donate
Email the Literary Council saying how many books you wish to drop off and a bit more info on the titles: info@literacy-council.org
They’ve requested this as of late because they get a lot of donation requests!
The Literary Council works with adults to improve their reading, writing and overall English skills, so generally any books in great condition for adults are going to be well received here.
Birmingham Public Library Friends Foundation
Donation Type: Drop off, Pick up from you, Drop off in book bin, Trade/exchange
Bookstore Location: 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, Alabama 35203
Hours: Monday-Friday 10am-2pm; first Saturday of each month 11am-3pm
Other Locations: 18 other locations in Birmingham. See all by searching for “Birmingham” on the Book Donation Map of America
Type of Books Accepted: Most books in good condition
Type of Books Not Accepted: Magazines, encyclopedias, textbooks
Website: Friends Bookstore
How to Donate
Bring your gently used books to the Bookstore (located at the Central Library) or one of the many APL branches. Bear in mind you’ll need to check the opening hours of the individual branches.
Homewood Public Library Friends
Donation Type: Drop off
Location: 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Birmingham, AL 35209
Hours: Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm
Type of Books Accepted: Most books in good condition
Type of Books Not Accepted: Encyclopedias, magazines, textbooks
Website: Homewood Public Library
How to Donate
Bring your books to the Friends Bookstore during the opening hours above. Donations support summer reading programs and general library upkeep in Jefferson County.
Friends of the North Shelby Library
Donation Type: Drop off
Location: 5521 Cahaba Valley Rd., Birmingham AL 35242
Hours: 10am-8pm Mon, Thu; 10am-6pm Tue, Wed, Fri; 10am-4pm Sat; 1-5pm Sun
Type of Books Accepted: Most books in good condition including puzzles
Type of Books Not Accepted: Magazines, travel books, old reference books, textbooks, encyclopedias
Website: North Shelby Library
How to Donate
If you have larger donations (think more than 2 boxes/bags) please do email the Friends before dropping off so they can arrange for someone to meet you and/or make space: friendsofnorthshelbylibrary@gmail.com
Otherwise, simply drop your books off during opening hours!
Cover image credit: Sarah Beth photos