They say that everything is bigger in Texas, but if you’re looking to make your book collection a little smaller and want to find the best places to donate books in Dallas, you’ve come to the right place!
Below, we list several nonprofits, from charities designed to bridge the literacy gap in low income households, to children’s hospital libraries, and more. This list ensures that your used books stay local, and will continue to benefit the Dallas community, whoever you decide to donate to.
Little Hands Book Bank
Donation Type: Drop off
Location: 3400 Silverstone Drive, Suite 144, Plano, TX, 75023
Hours: Check their social media for drop off times
Type of Books Accepted: Baby books, children’s books for preschool reading level
Website: Little Hands Book Bank
How to Donate
Little Hands Book Book announce their “drop off days” on their Facebook and Instagram pages.
As they work with children aged 0-5, the books they’re specifically looking for are things like:
- Board books
- Learning books (shapes, colors etc.)
- Story books
- Spanish language books
Why We Love Little Hands Book Bank
This organization tries to get ahead of the curve and instill a love of reading in preschool children before they get to the classroom.
Partnering with other community-led nonprofits, Little Hands Book Bank delivers a “book bag” to each child they work with which features at least 12 books – that’s amazing for those kids!
Dallas Public Library
Donation Type: Drop off
Primary Location: 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX 75201
Other Locations: Over 20 other local branches. See their website for your local branch.
Type of Books Accepted: Books, audiobooks
Website: Dallas Library
How to Donate
The Library recommends contacting your local branch to arrange a time to drop your books off. This ensures that they’re expecting you, and that a staff member will be on hand to assist you with the drop off.
All book sales, via the Friends of the Library, or other avenues, will directly fund the DPL.
Children’s Health Family Resource Libraries
Donation Type: Drop off
Dallas Location: 1935 Medical District Dr, Dallas, TX 75235
Plano Location: 7601 Preston Rd, Plano, TX 75024
Type of Books Accepted: Children’s books, board books, picture books, young adult, fiction, magazines
Type of Books Not Accepted: Magazines over 3 months old
Website: Info on donating
How to Donate
Please read: the Family Resource Libraries are looking for new books only. Their website lists their Amazon and Barnes and Noble wishlists. It stands to reason they may accept like-new books, but I would only consider helping this cause if you can offer children’s books in pristine condition that are germ-free.
The Libraries request you fill out a donation form which you can find on the above link, and email them to arrange a time.
Why We Love the Family Resource Libraries
It can be a rough time being a child, or a parent of a child, when you’re in hospital. Through the Family Resource Libraries, these children’s hospitals give patients access to a whole world full of books, helping them relax and take their mind off other things during a stressful time in their lives.
Dallas Book Donations
Donation Type: Pick up from you
Hours: Contact to schedule a pick up
Type of Books Accepted: Most books
Website: Dallas Book Donations
How to Donate
This is a pick up service, so get in touch with them on their website and arrange a time for them to come to you. They say they do take large donations.
Why We Love Dallas Book Donations
The beauty of a pick up service is that you don’t have to leave your house to do a good deed and keep literature in your community! It’s not clear how this organization redistributes books, but they’re a great option if you’re maybe a bit strapped for time.
Lucky Dog Books
Donation Type: Trade/exchange
East Dallas Location: 10534 Garland Rd., Dallas, TX 75218
N. Oak Cliff Location: 911 W. Jefferson, N. Oak Cliff, Dallas, TX 75208
Hours: 11am-5pm Mon, Wed, Fri-Sun; 1pm-7pm Tue-Thu
Type of Books Accepted: Books to trade
Website: Lucky Dog Books
How to Donate
Just bring your books to Lucky Dog and they’ll have a member of staff evaluate them to determine their value. You’ll earn a store credit from your donations. They also take large quantities in bulk, though will need more time to value the books.
Lucky Dog are a staple in the Dallas book scene, offering events like book crawls and free giveaways. This is definitely one of those great local shops that donated books can really benefit, as you know they do a lot for the community!
It’s great to see such a variety of organizations in Dallas. You can be sure your used, or new, books are going to great local causes when you donate to anyone on this list!
Feature image credit: Gabriel Tovar