It’s no secret that digital books are multiplying at an exponential rate. We can debate the value or accept that the bad news may also be the good news. It is becoming increasingly easy to find “gently used” printed books. Of course, the word “exchange” suggests that the users of your library are a primary source. But sometimes demand exceeds supply. Where do you find books when that happens?
One of my favorite places is our “town dump,” aka the transfer station. We have a retired boxcar that includes our “liberry” where books are free for the taking.
National & Nonprofit Programs
- Reader to Reader – Donates gently used books to libraries, schools, and literacy programs in need.
🔗 readertoreader.org - Books for America – Provides free and low-cost books to community groups, schools, and libraries.
🔗 booksforamerica.org - Better World Books – Donation Program – Offers surplus books and works with libraries and nonprofits to redistribute or donate unsold inventory.
🔗 betterworldbooks.com - The Book Fairies – Collects and redistributes donated books to schools, community centers, shelters, and literacy initiatives.
🔗 thebookfairies.org - Books for Development – Ships gently used books to community libraries and literacy projects, primarily in underserved areas.
🔗 booksfordevelopment.org - Books4Cause – Provides free books for educational and community projects and will pick up large donations in some areas.
🔗 books4cause.com - BookSmiles – Collects and redistributes gently used children’s books to educators and community organizations.
🔗 booksmiles.org - International Book Project – Donates books domestically and internationally to community programs, libraries, and literacy centers.
🔗 intbookproject.org
Community-Based & Local Opportunities
- Public Library Withdrawals – Many libraries give away gently used or surplus books to other organizations before book sales or recycling.
➤ Tip: Contact the “Friends of the Library” group in your region. - School or College Libraries – End-of-year cleanouts often produce duplicate or outdated (but usable) materials available to nonprofits.
- Local Businesses or Publishers – Some offices, printers, and bookstores donate remaindered or unsold stock to literacy or community exchange programs.
- Civic Organizations – Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis, and Grange chapters occasionally sponsor book drives or have storage from previous events.
- Thrift Stores with Community Partnerships – Ask local Goodwill or Salvation Army stores if they support book redistribution to nonprofit programs.
Online Resources for Bulk or Nonprofit Requests
- Freecycle & Buy Nothing Project (Organization Requests) – Post a community request explaining your literacy or exchange program; locals often respond with bulk donations.
🔗 freecycle.org
🔗 buynothingproject.org - Craigslist “Free” Section – Great for sourcing bulk donations of used books locally—just mention they’ll support a nonprofit or community exchange.