How to Donate Used Books to Charity
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How to Donate Used Books to Charity
Introduction
If you're an avid reader, you know books have a way of accumulating. As you rush out to buy this week's hottest book, the tendency is to forget about all the formerly hot books already sitting on your bookshelves, piled on the floor or stashed in corners. Since most used books have relatively low resale value, donating used books to charity is a great option.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Steps
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Step One
Call your local library. Some libraries have comprehensive programs that handle book donations, others simply have a donation bin somewhere in the library building. Be sure to find out specifically what types of books they do or don't accept.
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Step Two
Check out daycare centers and nursery schools. If you have lots of early reader books that your children have outgrown, find out if a local daycare center can use them. Some public schools accept used books through the PTA or other program. Pick a school and call the principal's office to find out.
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Step Three
Start your own book donation program. The I Am Foundation is a non-profit organization that donates books nationally and internationally. Through their "million books for kids campaign" you can register a group you regularly donate books to, or the foundation can help you find a group to support through book donation.
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Step Four
Donate your books online. The Better World Foundation accepts donated books in specific categories, and resells the books online using the proceeds to fund literacy and development programs overseas and in the U.S.
Tips & Warnings
- Getting rid of used books is not as easy as you may think. Many literacy programs prefer monetary donations, enabling them to purchase the exact type of book needed. They may also lack the resources to store, catalogue and resell books.
- Book donations to certain groups can be written off your taxes. Check IRS guidelines to be sure you're calculating the value correctly if you are planning a major donation.
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