Did you know Philadelphia’s book-sharing roots go back to 1731? Benjamin Franklin and The Junto Club gathered their personal collections into a shared library, thus sparking a tradition of pooling knowledge for the common good. Today, you can carry on that spirit by donating books to local organizations and free libraries.
Best places to donate books in Philadelphia
There are many nonprofits that take book donations in Philly, most of which support local literacy initiatives.
1. Tree House Books
Based in North Philadelphia, Tree House Books(opens in new tab) provides free books and literacy programs to the community. They also help distribute books to homes and host book drives.
- What they accept: Children’s books and educational materials.
- What they don’t accept: Books in poor condition.
- How to donate: Email [email protected] to schedule a drop-off.
- Location: 1430 W. Susquehanna Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19121.
Tree House Books is a great option if you want to support a grassroots literacy initiative in North Philly.
2. Philly Book Bank
Operated by Reading Recycled, Philly Book Bank(opens in new tab) collects books for teachers and schools across Philadelphia. They distribute over 30,000 books annually, ensuring classrooms have the resources they need.
- What they accept: Classroom-quality books for all ages.
- How to donate: Drop off at Martin Luther King High School (entrance on Haines Street). For large donations, call to arrange a pickup.
- Location: 6100 Stenton Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19138.
Philly Book Bank is ideal for educators or anyone looking to support local schools.
3. BookSmiles
This nonprofit focuses on distributing used children’s books to promote literacy. BookSmiles(opens in new tab) accepts a wide range of books and even welcomes encyclopedias, which is a rarity among donation centers.
- What they accept: All types of books, including textbooks, dictionaries and magazines.
- What they don’t accept: Heavily damaged or moldy books.
- How to donate: For donations under 500 books, use their 24/7 collection bins. For larger donations, contact [email protected].
- Location: Newman Paperboard at 6101 Tacony St., Philadelphia, PA 19135.
BookSmiles is ideal for those looking to donate large quantities of children’s books or even entire libraries.
4. Cradles to Crayons
This national nonprofit helps children in low-income situations by providing essentials, including books. Cradles to Crayons’(opens in new tab) Philadelphia branch distributes books to kids across the city.
- What they accept: New and gently used books for ages 0–12, especially those with diverse characters.
- What they don’t accept: Holiday-themed or religious books.
- How to donate: Drop off at one of their purple bins or at their Giving Factory warehouse.
- Location: 4700 Wissahickon Ave., Suite 142, Philadelphia, PA 19144.
Cradles to Crayons is perfect for parents or teachers looking to donate children’s books that will go directly to kids in need.
5. One House at a Time
OHAAT supports families in need through programs like Beds for Kids, which also provides books to children.
- What they accept: New and gently used children’s books.
- How to donate: Check their website for drop-off locations or schedule a visit to their warehouse.
- Location: 474 Pike Road, Suite C, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006.
OHAAT is a solid choice for those looking to donate children’s books to families in transition.
6. Books Through Bars
For over 30 years, this volunteer-run organization has provided free books to incarcerated individuals across six mid-Atlantic states, including Pennsylvania. Books Through Bars(opens in new tab) receives hundreds of requests weekly, making book donations critically important.
- What they accept: Paperback books in good condition (no hardcovers). They prioritize genres like Spanish-language books, manga and GED test prep materials.
- What they don’t accept: Hardcover books, books advocating harmful ideologies, or heavily damaged copies.
- How to donate: Email [email protected] with details about your donation (quantity, condition, genre) before dropping off.
- Location: 4722 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19143 (not open to the public; contact first).
Books Through Bars is a great choice if you want your books to directly impact individuals who might not otherwise have access to reading materials.
7. Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni’s Room
Giovanni’s Room(opens in new tab) is the nation’s oldest LGBTQ+ bookstore and operates under Philly AIDS Thrift, a nonprofit supporting HIV/AIDS organizations. They accept books along with other items like records and collectibles.
- What they accept: Books, DVDs, CDs, art and small collectibles.
- How to donate: Drop off during business hours.
- Location: 345 S. 12th St., Philadelphia, PA 19107.
This is a great option for those looking to support both LGBTQ+ literature and HIV/AIDS advocacy.
8. The Book Corner (Friends of the Free Library)
Operated by the Friends of the Free Library of Philadelphia, The Book Corner(opens in new tab) is a used bookstore that funds library programs. Donations support the city’s libraries.
- What they accept: Gently used books.
- How to donate: Call ahead for large donations (more than two bags or a box).
- Location: 311 N. 20th St., Philadelphia, PA 19103.
The Book Corner is perfect for book lovers who want their donations to directly benefit Philadelphia’s public libraries.
9. Philly Area Book Recyclers
Philly Area Book Recyclers(opens in new tab) accepts both donations and purchases of books, CDs and DVDs, supporting local shelters, youth groups and libraries. They also pay top dollar for recent college textbooks.
- What they accept: Books (including textbooks), CDs, DVDs (no bootlegs).
- What they don’t accept: Mass market paperbacks, encyclopedias, Time/Life series, Reader’s Digest, National Geographic, international textbooks, or book club editions.
- How to donate/sell: Contact via their online form or call (267) 726-4795. Free pickup available for large donations.
- Location: Philadelphia area (contact for details).
Philly Area Book Recyclers is ideal for those looking to declutter, sell books for cash, or support community literacy.
10. Little Free Library
These “take a book, leave a book” boxes can be found across Philadelphia, from parks to residential neighborhoods. They’re a simple way to share books with your community.
- What they accept: Any books in good condition.
- How to donate: Find a Little Free Library near you and drop off your books.
- Location: Multiple locations across Philadelphia.
Little Free Libraries(opens in new tab) are ideal for those who want to keep the spirit of book-sharing alive in their own neighborhood.
When to consider self storage
Some books hold sentimental value: first editions, signed copies, books you plan to pass down to future generations. If you’re downsizing(opens in new tab), moving(opens in new tab), or simply running out of space, a storage unit(opens in new tab) can be a practical solution to keep these books safe. Make sure to use a climate-controlled storage unit(opens in new tab), which prevents damage like mold, warping and yellowing due to Philadelphia’s humidity and temperature swings. In a city where the average apartment is only 747(opens in new tab) square feet, a small 5’x5’(opens in new tab) climate-controlled storage unit can be a practical way to keep your library overflow until you afford a bigger place.
Here’s what to know before you store your books long term:
- Use acid-free boxes: Regular cardboard can degrade over time and damage books, therefore acid-free boxes are a better choice for long-term storage.
- Store vertically: Books should be stored upright, like they would on a shelf. Stacking them horizontally can cause spines to warp.
- Avoid plastic bags: Plastic can trap moisture and lead to mold, so use breathable materials like cotton or acid-free paper to wrap books if needed.
Bottom line
The best place to donate books in Philadelphia depends on what you have and who you hope to help. Children’s books may be a fit for literacy programs, classroom-ready titles can support local schools and paperback educational or leisure reading can help Books Through Bars reach incarcerated readers.
Before you donate, sort out damaged, moldy, or outdated books and confirm the organization’s current needs and drop-off process. For the books you just cannot part with, climate-controlled storage can help protect them from heat and humidity until you have room to bring them back home.
Start with one box: set aside books to donate, books to recycle and books worth preserving, then choose the option that gives each one its best next chapter.
FAQ
Where can I donate textbooks in Philadelphia?
Philly Area Book Recyclers(opens in new tab) accepts recent college textbooks in good condition, while BookSmiles also takes textbooks and dictionaries. Tree House Books accepts educational materials for children. Always verify current needs before donating, as policies can change.
What books should I donate?
Most organizations accept gently used fiction, nonfiction and children’s books. However, many do not accept hardcover books, encyclopedias, or damaged copies. Nonprofits like Books Through Bars and BookSmiles have specific lists of what they need, so it’s best to check their websites or call ahead.
Are book donations tax-deductible in Philadelphia?
A book donation to a qualified organization may be deductible if the donor itemizes. Keep a receipt for your donation and itemize it on your tax return to claim a deduction for the fair-market value of the books. For noncash gifts, the IRS emphasizes fair-market-value substantiation; a written acknowledgment is required for claimed contributions of $250 or more and Form 8283 generally applies when total noncash contributions exceed $500.
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