Libraries welcome donations of books. Our budgets are limited, so donations help to fill in the gaps in our collections and help to replace copies of existing books that are worn out through constant use. But we are discerning in what we accept. What we ARE looking for are recent titles, published within the last five years, that would appeal to a wide readership. What we don't need (and I say this in the nicest possible way) are old magazines, encyclopedia sets, textbooks, Reader's Digest condensed books, or anything that has been stored outside (in a garage perhaps) or in a basement and that smells musty.
Below are a few recent examples of donations we cannot use:
The truth is that many books have an expiry date beyond which nobody wants them or needs them anymore. The best thing to do with these books is to recycle them. Paperbacks and magazines can go in regular household recycling. Even hardcover books, if you cut the covers off, can be put out with your paper recycling. I know this sounds heretical coming from a librarian, but it is a sad fact that most books eventually end up being recycled.
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