Are your books just gathering dust on the shelf? Do they deserve to inspire someone else in a new, loving home? This guide will let you know exactly where to donate books in Kansas City, so you can find a place close to you, while supporting some great causes at the same time.
Note: We prioritize organizations that dedicate time and resources to aiding literacy in their local communities.
Hands to Hearts
Donation Type: Drop off in book bin
Location: 9007A W 51st Terr., Merriam, KS 66203
Type of Books Accepted: Children’s books
Donation Receipt: Yes
Website: Hands to Hearts KC
How to Donate
You can donate your books by dropping them off at the above location in the book bins outside their warehouse.
Why We Love Hands to Hearts
Hands to Hearts places a strong emphasis on the importance of reading from a young age, and how this has a significant impact on children throughout their education. The books you donate will be distributed through organizations including schools and churches, but the charity is also hoping to set up a moving bookmobile to provide books to as many children as possible.
Hillcrest Transitional Housing
Donation Type: Drop off
Location: 7824 Quivira Road, Lenexa, KS 66216
Hours: Monday-Friday 10am-5pm Saturday 10am-4pm
Donation Receipt: No
Website
How to Donate
Simply drop your donation off at the above thrift store location during the listed hours.
Why We Love Hillcrest
They’re working to tackle homelessness in Kansas City. As their mission states, “Hillcrest is solving homelessness one family at a time.” Hillcrest Transitional Housing is not a quick fix.
Their educational program guides both individuals and families through the steps from homelessness to independence. At any time, they are supporting around 100 households.
Operation Breakthrough
Donation Type: Drop off
Location: 3039 Troost, Kansas City, MO 64109
Hours: Drop off between 9am-12pm; 1pm-5pm
Type of Books Accepted: Children’s books, baby books, board books
Website: Operation Breakthrough
How to Donate
The organization asks that you bring your books to the back door of Corita’s Place, which is their newer building on the west side of Troost. The loading dock is behind Corita’s Place on Harrison Street. Just pull up to the dock and someone will assist you.
If nobody is around, please call them on 816-756-3511 to let them know you’re there.
Why We Love Operation Breakthrough
They provide vital services and programs for in-need families and youth across the KC metro area.
Founded by two Sisters in 1971 (the building above is named after Sister Corita!) they offer a number of programs, and their early education program can benefit from gently used children’s and baby books. The books are also sent home with children and used as a way to give them something personal to keep.
A certain tight end called Travis Kelce has worked with the organization too!
Johnson County Library
Donation Type: Drop off
Primary Location: 8273 Melrose Drive, Lenexa, KS 66214
Other Locations: See Individual Locations
How to Donate
Most of their library locations can accept small donations dropped off during opening hours apart from the De Soto, Edgerton, Lenexa, Monticello and Spring Hill branches. They suggest bringing no more than about the amount that would fit in a grocery bag.
If you’ve done some serious purging, then you can contact the Friends Donation Sorting Center to arrange an appropriate time to drop off your donation in Overland Park. The phone number is (913) 492-4791.
Reach Out & Read
Donation Type: Host a book drive
Type of Books Accepted: Children’s books
Website: Reach Out and Read KC
How to Donate
Reach Out and Read request that donors host a book drive. They’ll arrange boxes for you, providing you with everything you need to host a successful book drive, then collect from you when you’re finished.
Reach Out and Read is a nationwide organization that introduces books as a way of helping children in hospital, not only when they’re staying in hospital but for things like doctor’s visits. They encourage the doctors and nurses to actually read to the children! So, if you find yourself in a position to be able to host a book drive, it’s a really worthwhile cause.
Lawrence Public Library
Donation Type: Drop off
Location: 707 Vermont St, Lawrence, KS 66044
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am-12pm
Type of Books Not Accepted: Encyclopedias, magazines, Reader’s Digest
Website: LPLKS
How to Donate
The drop off location is on the Kentucky Street side. You’ll see a donation box outside the garage door.
If you have larger donations of more than 6 boxes, please contact Angela at the Lawrence Public Library to schedule a drop off time: ahyde@lplks.org
This is a great choice for book donations in the greater Kansas City area, as it’s a way to support your local library, who will either list them in online book sales throughout the year, or donate them to groups who need them in the community.
Book Drive KC
Donation Type: Pick up from you
Types of Books Accepted: Most books in good condition
Types of Books Not Accepted: Magazines and encyclopedias
Website: Book Drive KC
How to Donate
The Book Drive will do all of the hard work for you. Head over to their website to schedule a collection of your books – as long as you’re in the Kansas City metro area, you can donate without leaving the comfort of your own home!
Why We Love Book Drive KC
They champion book recycling in Kansas City. After picking up your books, they will re-donate them on your behalf to local churches, schools and youth groups in need of the books.
Does the Kansas City Public Library Accept Books?
Important note: Local Book Donations received word via a comment here that the public library is not accepting book donations at any location. We have tried to reach out to the library to verify this but didn’t receive a response, but users on Reddit have also verified this.
In case you still want to check their email is: info@kclibraryfriends.org
While the Public Library isn’t currently taking books, Missouri is not shy of great libraries that are willing to take your donations; the St. Louis Public Library is prominently featured in our roundup of where to donate books in St. Louis.
Where To Donate Children’s Books in Kansas City
There is certainly no shortage of places to donate kids’ books in KC. Click on the names of each organization below to be directed back up to their main listing at the top of this article:
Can You Donate Children’s Books in Kansas City? Not Really!
No organizations in KC are after textbooks specifically. You may want to look at prison book programs (there are a few local options) or Goodwill to find places that will be accepting of recently published textbooks.
Now you know where to donate books in Kansas City, you can put some of your old books to good use!
Hi Tom, FYI you may want to edit this posting. The Kansas City Library system does not accept donations at any location, as I was informed today by staff when attempting to donate
Hey Ben, thanks for the info. I have tried reaching out to them but received no response – I will add a note on the post.
Hi! There use to be a bin for used books about 31st and main in Kcmo. They collected used books and resold on eBay and recycled what couldn’t be sold. I think they were a group of disabled vets. So you know if they are still there or where they might be?
Unfortunately I don’t know, but if anyone can confirm they are still there, I will gladly add them to the list. Sorry I can’t be of more help.