Places in NYC That Accept Book Donations
If you live in the New York City area, the next time you're cleaning out your bookshelves, consider donating your used books to one of several local organizations that accept them as donations to not only get a tax deduction, but help out your community. You might be done with them, but your books can live a "second life" and benefit others. Donating can be as simple as dropping off books or mailing them if securing transportation is an issue.
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New York Public Library
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The New York Public Library accepts donations of all types of books (including fiction, non-fiction, biographies, romance and children's), DVDs, VHS tapes and CDs as long as they're in good condition. It doesn't accept textbooks. All donations must go through the mid Manhattan Library at 455 Fifth Avenue. Small donations can be dropped off on the first floor at the courtesy desk. For donations larger than one box, please use the loading docks. The library can't arrange for book pickups. If you'd like to donate to a specific branch, contact it directly.
Goodwill
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The Goodwill Foundation, a non-profit organization founded in 1902 with 165 U.S. locations, will accept books in good condition. Manhattan has 14 Goodwill locations, and more are in nearby New Jersey. Books can be of any genre as long as they're in resell condition. They'll be placed in a Goodwill store, and the proceeds from their sale will go to help the community. Goodwill's mission is to "enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals, families and communities by eliminating barriers to opportunity and helping people in need reach their fullest potential through the power of work."
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Housing Works
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Housing Works is a New York-based charity that focuses on a wide range of issues, including AIDS, HIV prevention, housing problems, healthcare, harm reduction and case management. It runs a one-of-a-kind bookstore and cafe called Bookstore Cafe that gets inventory solely from book donations and uses all profits to benefit the organization. The store is the fully stocked from floor to ceiling with books, music and movies and has been an eclectic tourist destination for some time. Housing Works accepts donations of all kinds of books, CDs, DVDs and LPs in resell condition. It doesn't accept books that have been marked, reflect heavy wear, are damaged, have missing pages or covers, are mildewed or are dated material such as travel guides.
New York City Books Through Bars
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NYC Books Through Bars has been sending books to inmates across the nation since 1996. The inmates are from different prisons throughout the U.S. and anyone can participate. Volunteers meet three times per week to match books to requests from inmates who send letters or postcards to request specific books. It doesn't accept requests by email. Books Through Bars accepts donations at Freebird Books in New York during the packing sessions and is always on the lookout for books on history, politics, social sciences, psychology, world languages, and mythology, as well as memoirs and how-to books.
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References
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