You’ve turned to the right page if you want to donate books in Long Beach!
Here, we feature a variety of different organizations such as a charming community book exchange, a local library, and several thrift stores, as well as important information on where and how to donate books.
If you make frequent trips to LA, you may be interested in taking a look at our guide on book donations in Los Angeles, which features no fewer than eleven spots to donate books there.
Riley’s Red Wagon
Donation Types: Drop off, Book exchange
Location: 3040 E. 1st Street Long Beach, CA 90803
Hours: 9am-7:30pm all week
Type of Books Accepted: Any and all!
Facebook Page: Red Wagon Book Swap
How to Donate
The Red Wagon is set up curbside on E. 1st Street, and you are welcome to bring any books to donate, or exchange. Justin, the founder, asks that you take no more than 5 books at a time.
Why We Love Riley’s Red Wagon
This is a sweet community initiative that gives locals the chance to donate books outside of usual nonprofit or library options. Think of it as a little free library just for Long Beach.
It’s obvious the wagon has an endearing place in the hearts of many locals. Happy book exchangers say “it encourages reading for people of all ages” and “this is one of the things I loved most while living in Belmont Shore.” Check or follow their Facebook page to find out about bespoke events. What a cool idea!
Friends of the Long Beach Public Library
Donation Type: Drop off
Primary Location: 200 W Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90802
Other Locations: View all locations and opening hours here
Type of Books Accepted: Gently used books for all ages
Type of Books Not Accepted: Magazines, newspapers, encyclopedias, textbooks older than 1-2 years
Website: LBPL Friends
How to Donate
You can visit any one of the library’s locations to drop off your books. The Friends recommend taking 1-2 bags or boxes per visit. If you have more than that, reach out to them so they can let you know if they can take more and adequately help you bring them in.
Why We Love the Long Beach Library Friends
The Friends sell all donated books at their used bookstore, the proceeds of which go to directly funding library programs such as summer reading programs, as well as vital training for staff.
Long Beach Charity Stores Accepting Book Donations
- American Cancer Society Belmont Shore Discovery Shop (5235 East 2nd Street, Long Beach, CA 90803)
- AIDS Assistance Thrift Store (2749 E. Anaheim St Long Beach CA 90804)
Charity thrift stores are always a great option if you have a cause you feel passionately about. Either the Cancer Society or AIDS Assistance thrifts would be happy to take your used books, though charity stores often don’t have hard and fast guidelines on what they can, and can’t take, so be sure to reach out to them and check exactly what types of books you can and can’t donate.
So, turns out there are some very cool places to gift your used books to in Long Beach. The best thing is, with the number of library locations, and thrift stores, as well as the awesome Red Wagon, you can easily find a location near you that stands to benefit from a thoughtful donation.
Hey Tom, thanks for the info. We have about 100 books that are mostly hardback that are in good shape. Are there any organizations that will pick up in LB? Thanks!
I don’t believe anywhere can do this near you, sorry. The best bet would be reaching out to organizations like Re-Book It in Los Angeles to see if they can come that way.
Hi, I’m a high school teacher hoping to gift a book to each of my almost 200 students. If any would be great for teenagers, I’m glad to pickup.