10 Places Where You Can Donate Books In Dallas — And How To Deal With The Ones You Want To Keep
Avid readers generally find the notion of parting ways with their books rather challenging — however, it should be seen as an opportunity to share your favorite books with others, and book donations are a very constructive way of dealing with the volumes you have already read. This way, you’ll create space at home for new authors and books you are yet to discover.
If you’re wondering, “Where can I donate books in Dallas?” you’ll be pleased to know that there are many organizations in the city that put donated books to great use. Here’s a list of places to keep in mind the next time you’re decluttering your bookshelves and looking to donate books in Dallas.
The main goal of this organization is to offer Dallas residents the opportunity to keep books out of landfills and give them a new life. They accept not just books but CDs and DVDs as well. A very convenient thing about this organization is that you can contact them and schedule a pickup from your home, which is great if you don’t have a lot of time or if you have a lot of books to donate. Of course, you can also drop off the books yourself if you prefer.
The Dallas Public Library is accepting donations of books, audiobooks on CD and DVD, music CDs and even vinyl records. However, you need to call your local branch of the library to schedule the donation. Also, there’s a limit for donations per appointment: two small moving boxes or grocery bags. Of course, if you have more books to donate, you can schedule more appointments.
Lucky Dog Books is a bookstore that’s been recycling books in Dallas for over 50 years — and not just books but also movies and music. When you donate books here, you get in-store credits in return. This is a brilliant way of making sure your old books don’t end up cluttering your home and instead will turn into a fresh supply of literature for you to enjoy.
4. Friends of the University Park Public Library
The University Park Public Library provides access to books and other services and programs for community members of all ages, from infants to seniors. This public library located in suburban Dallas, in the University Park residential area, accepts book donations that can be made from Monday to Friday during business hours at their service center at 4420 Worcola Street.
This organization accepts donations of books for young children up to five years of age. If your kids are older and you want to make some room on their bookshelves for new books more suitable for them, you can contact Little Hands Book Bank to donate. The books are then cleaned, sorted, packaged and given to children who have little access to books otherwise.
Half Price Books is a book retailer with tradition in Dallas, selling both new and old books, music, movies, magazines and comics. They also purchase used books, so you might end up with some cash in your pockets after purging your bookshelves at home.
Genesis Shelter is an organization that provides support for women and children who are in difficult circumstances. The shelter generally accepts all sorts of donations, such as clothing, household items and furniture. Of course, donations of children’s books and toys are more than welcome.
Whether you have just books to donate or other things as well, including clothing, furniture, electronics or household items, any of the Goodwill stores in Dallas are good candidates for your extra belongings. The donation process is very simple and straightforward, and your items will be put to good use.
This organization collects books on behalf of the Vietnam Veterans of America. The books are then sold to schools and families, and the funds are used to help the veterans. The organization is available throughout Texas and some other states, and they come to your home to pick up the books — you simply need to fill out a form on the website.
You can also donate gently used books (and other items) to the Dallas-area chapter of the American Kidney Services organization. They use your donations of books, clothes, electronics, furniture and so on to generate funds that provide financial support to kidney-disease patients.
Want to hold on to some of the books? Use self storage
Some books, however, are worth keeping. You might want to hold on to your favorite authors and volumes, art albums or valuable old books. Oftentimes, storage space at home is limited, and new books that you really want to read get published all the time — so where to you take your old books? The solution is to rent a self storage unit close to your home. Fortunately, you can find a wide variety of self storage units in Dallas, and you can pick the right size and type of unit for your needs.
If you strictly want to store some boxes with books, then a small 5’x5’ storage unit is probably all you need. The average monthly rate for this type of unit in Dallas hovers around $43 per month — more than worth it for your books. If you have other items besides books to store as well, such as clothing, furniture or electronics, a larger 10’x10’ unit might be a better fit. The price for this type of unit in Dallas is around $110 per month.
Books can be pretty fragile, so if you intend to keep them in a storage unit long-term, or if you own expensive antique books, a climate-controlled storage unit in Dallas is your best option. The controlled environment will ensure that your books will not get damaged while in storage, and the cost is just slightly more expensive compared to a standard unit. For example, a 5’x5’ climate-controlled storage unit in Dallas is about $48 per month, compared to $43 for the regular one.
Here’s how to prepare your books for storage
Properly preparing books for storage in a self storage unit is crucial to ensure they remain in good condition and are easily accessible when needed. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare and store your books:
- Clean and dust
Before storing your books, make sure they are clean and free of dust. Use a soft cloth or a gentle brush to wipe away any accumulated dust or debris. Clean each book cover, spine, and page edges.
- Repair damaged books
If any of your books have loose pages, torn covers or other damages, consider repairing them before storage. Use acid-free tape for small repairs and consider professional restoration for valuable or sentimental books.
- Sort and organize
Categorize your books based on size, genre or any system that makes sense to you. This will not only help you find specific books more easily later, but it also allows for better organization within the storage unit.
- Use appropriate boxes and pack books properly
Place your books in sturdy, clean and appropriately sized boxes. Ensure that the boxes are in good condition without any signs of wear and tear. When placing books in boxes, pack them vertically, like they would be on a bookshelf. This minimizes stress on the spines. Fill any gaps with packing paper to prevent the books from shifting during transport or storage. Label each box with its contents and any relevant categorization.
- Store the boxes carefully
Place boxes on pallets or shelves within the storage unit to protect them from any potential damage. This allows air circulation around the boxes, preventing any moisture buildup. If storing boxes directly on the floor, use moisture-resistant materials underneath them, such as plastic sheeting or pallets. This adds an extra layer of protection against moisture.
- Check your books periodically
Schedule regular visits to your storage unit to check on the condition of your books. If you notice any issues, such as signs of pests, mold or water damage, address them promptly.
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