If you’ve reached that chapter in your life where you’re looking to give away your used books, this is the guide for you.
Here you’ll find all the organizations accepting book donations in New Orleans. We prioritize causes that work to fund local initiatives, giving you all the necessary information on where and how to donate books in New Orleans.
Friends of New Orleans Public Library
Donation Type: Drop off
Location: Milton Latter Library, 5120 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70115
Hours: Wed, Thu, Sat 10am-2pm
Type of Books Not Accepted: Newspapers, magazines, encyclopedias, textbooks, instruction manuals
Website: Friends of NOLA
How to Donate
The New Orleans Public Library is only accepting book donations at the Carriage House at the Milton Latter Library.
The Carriage House is located behind the library, and is open during the hours above. Please remember to box or bag your books; no loose books!
The Carriage House sells books during these hours, and the profits go directly back to the New Orleans Public Library.
Friends of the Jefferson Public Library
Donation Types: Drop off in book bin, Drop off
Location: 4747 W Napoleon Ave, Metairie, LA 70001
Hours: 24/7 book bins, in person on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am-1pm
Type of Books Not Accepted: Encyclopedias over 2 years old, textbooks over 5 years old, health books, magazines, Reader’s Digest, law books
Website: Friends of the Jefferson Public Library
How to Donate
There are book bins on the side of the building marked for your donations that you can drop books into 24/7.
The Library accepts any gently used hardback or paperback books, bar the categories of book listed above.
If you have any questions regarding your donation, feel free to email the friends here: FriendsJPL@Yahoo.com
Symphony Book Fair
Donation Type: Drop off
Location: 517 Time Saver Ave, Harahan, LA 70123
Hours: Tuesdays and Fridays 10am-2pm
Type of Books Accepted: Fiction and nonfiction
Website: LPO Volunteers Book Fair
How to Donate
The Symphony Book Fair accepts in-person donations at their warehouse during the above hours.
This is a pretty cool initiative set up by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, which runs an annual book fair that includes everything from books to LPs and art.
This community-driven initiative raises funds for the LPO through all its sales, and is a great way to support the arts scene in the NOLA community!
Blue Cypress Books
Donation Type: Trade/exchange
Location: 8126 Oak St, New Orleans, LA 70118
Buying Hours: Monday-Friday 10am-5pm; Saturday 11am-3pm
Type of Books Accepted: Classics, science fiction, children’s books, cookbooks, art books, first editions, signed books, fiction and nonfiction
Type of Books Not Accepted: Old textbooks, hardback books with missing dust jackets
Website: Blue Cypress Books
How to Donate
See their trading and exchange policy at the link above. If you have books of value that you are maybe looking for a little return on, this is the option for you!
Well, there we have it. A wonderfully varied selection of organizations who will be willing to take your books off your hands in and around NOLA.
It’s a history known for its spooky dwellings and history of the paranormal, but hopefully you’ll agree that there’s no need to be scared when finding a place to donate books in New Orleans!
Feature image credit: Chelsea Auldibert
Thank you for your information. My son lives in New Orleans and will be moving in about a month. He and his wife have a great selection of books and want to donate them. He contacted the library and was told they do not take book donations. I find that strange. I have been involved with libraries my entire life. Thank you for your website.
Beth
Thanks for your kind words and glad I could help!
Like Beth, I find it odd that the library didn’t want my books.
I will be using your suggestions to donate them