Have you ever tried to squeeze another book onto the shelf only to give up and start a stack on the floor? If that’s you, it’s time to donate some books.
There are many organizations in metro Detroit and Ann Arbor looking for all types of books, but figuring out where to donate to make the biggest impact can be a headache.
When little ones outgrow their picture books or the family is gifted a book already in the stacks, reference this list for the best spots to donate.
American Association of University Women – Ann Arbor
This club for women from different colleges hosts a large annual book sale to raise funds for scholarships. Donating clean books without rips or highlighting helps support their mission. Sorting books takes a lot of woman-power, so make things easier for the volunteers by going through your books and giving them a wipe down before donating.
The Children’s Center
- Address: 79 W Alexandrine St., Detroit
The Children’s Center, home to many clinical services that treat children with challenges and those who face barriers, is sometimes looking for book donations. Follow them on social media to be the first to know when the organization is in need.
First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor
The Prison Books Program, run by the First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor, accepts books published within the last 5-10 years with no writing in them. Adult books are most in demand, but kids materials are also accepted.
Friends of the Ann Arbor District Library
- Address: 343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor
This organization supports library programming by selling donated books and other donated materials. Help support Ann Arbor libraries by collecting recently published fiction, travel books and textbooks. Check out the full list of requested donations before stopping by.
Give My Books
- Address: 2091 Stratton Court, Ann Arbor
This local family business also gives back to teachers in need of books. Find a list of items they accept on the website. If you’re looking to donate but don’t have the time to drop off, Give My Books will come to you.
Southfield Public Library
- Address: 26300 Evergreen Road, Southfield
This public library gladly accepts donations of books, magazines and audio-visual materials in good condition all year long. Donations can be brought to the dock on the north side of the library — just check donation hours before visiting with books in tow.
Little Free Libraries
Those little boxes on posts aren’t fancy birdhouses — they’re little, free libraries. Take a look at the map of the libraries in your area and choose some of your best books to donate. If there’s one near a school, pick books that kids in the ages that attend might like to read.
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