If you’re a student who needs extra money, you have an option to sell your textbooks for cash. But what if you do not want to waste time selling your old textbooks or they are so outdated that doesn’t have any buyback value? It can be easier to give them away instead. Although we’ve talked about what to do with old textbooks before, we’ve never focused solely on the topic of donating them. It’s time we give this subject the attention it deserves.
We’ve already told you where to donate used books. But what about textbooks? There’s a difference. While a 1970 edition of Pride and Prejudice or a 1977 edition of Children Of Dune will always be welcome at any donation center, a heavily used copy of a college textbook like Airport Engineering (1984) might not be suitable for some organizations due to its outdated content.
So, where to donate textbooks? A bunch of structural engineering materials (again, your uncle’s legacy) with different publication years? Or your mom’s The Basic Practice of Statistics and Political Geography (probably no longer relevant)? Check a few recommendations we’ve prepared for you.
Giving New Life to Old Textbooks: Donation Options
In one of our earlier articles, we talked about ways to reuse old textbooks. Let’s now get into more details regarding the donation part.
Charitable Organizations
Numerous charities accept book donations, including textbooks. By donating your old textbooks to organizations like the Salvation Army, you can help them find their way into the hands of those who need them more. To save time, you can check the article on donating books we’ve once covered on BookScouter. You can also read our comprehensive article about top book charities in the US.
However, make sure you donate something that people can actually use. The thing about old textbooks and encyclopedias—especially the ones on technical subjects—is that after a few years, they go out of date.
Example: So, math textbooks will be more likely to be accepted, while your uncle’s copy of GPS-Based Airport Operations (1994) will probably be a welcome read only for someone who is very versed in the topic.
Local Libraries
Next, libraries are natural destinations for book and textbook donations. Reach out to your local public or university library and ask about their textbook donation policies.
While libraries are always eager to expand their collections, not all of your textbook treasures will be welcomed enthusiastically. Most educational materials are often too specialized for public libraries (and even for some academic ones), and they are often out of date.
Example: If you’re generous enough to donate something more or less universal (e.g., a copy of popular Campbell’s Biology or Calculus), such textbooks have a higher chance of being accepted.
Schools in Need
Some schools, particularly those in underserved areas or with limited resources, would greatly benefit from textbook donations. However, keep in mind that schools have strict book-acquiring procedures, and your books will have to be reviewed and approved for content, language, etc. There’s a high chance that plenty of fiction pieces won’t be accepted.
At the same time, your kids’ old textbooks (that are a part of the curriculum) might be accepted and serve a really good purpose. Therefore, we recommend contacting your local schools or school districts to understand their needs and donation procedures.
Example: We’re positive that such titles as The Elements of Style or Holt Literature & Language Arts will we gladly accepted.
Community Centers and Youth Organizations
Community centers, after-school programs, and youth organizations often have educational initiatives that could benefit from textbook donations. These organizations strive to provide resources for children and young adults, and your donated textbooks might be a valuable asset.
So, if you are willing to part with your gently used textbooks (especially math, science, or literature), community and youth initiatives will be ready to accept your donation. You can start by contacting Kids Need to Read, for example. This organization provides books to underfunded schools, libraries, and literacy programs that help disadvantaged children across the US.
Example: D’accord! textbooks you no longer need can help someone else master French, Descubre—improve Spanish, Interactive Science—get better at Chemistry, and so on.
Senior Centers and Retirement Homes
Many senior centers and retirement homes have libraries or reading programs that would welcome donations of educational materials. While textbooks are very specialized read, some senior residents may be interested in exploring new subjects and expanding their knowledge.
Here are some examples:
- ElderTLC is a Phoenix-based non-profit that accepts book donations and distributes them to low-income seniors in care facilities they support. Though on their website, they specifically mention “Adult coloring books, puzzle books, sketch pads”, you can still reach out to them and ask about textbooks.
- West Chester Area Senior Center has a “Second Reading” bookstore that accepts donated books. Maybe textbooks, too?
- Stoneham Senior Center has partnered with Discover Books to collect book donations in bins behind their center.
Example: While most of your textbooks may not be that relevant to seniors, someone might be interested in the copies of Orientalism or Imagined Communities: Reflections on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism that migrated to your garage box from your second cousin’s house.
Correctional Facilities and Prison Programs
Several correctional facilities offer educational programs for inmates. Organizations like Books to Prisoners accept book donations to support their initiativesaim to provide educational materials to incarcerated individuals. You can check their website to understand what they need and whether they accept textbooks.
Example: For instance, the Claremont Forum’s Prison Library Project states on their book donation page that they need the following books: “Trade skills: Auto mechanics, electrical, CDL licensing, carpentry, etc.” and “Language dictionaries and grammar books especially Spanish, ASL” as well as “Reference books (paperback almanacs, dictionaries, thesauri, atlases)” among a very broad range of other titles. So if you have a copy of Collins Spanish Dictionary: Complete and Unabridged or Auto Repair for Beginners, you can send your books to the project for sure.
International Book Donation Programs
If you’re interested in making a global impact, consider donating your textbooks to organizations like Books for Africa. Such initiatives aim to address educational challenges in regions with the limited access to learning materials. They specifically accept “…primary, secondary, and college textbooks (soft and hard cover) published in the last 15 years…dictionaries or reference books published in the last 10 years, except encyclopedia sets…medical, nursing, technical and science books published in the last 10 years”.
Example: So, it’s a surest place to send them your copies of Social Research Methods and Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory Manual.
Better World Books
Better World Books collects and resells books to fund literacy initiatives worldwide. You can locate their book drop boxes across the US and give your old textbooks to them, knowing that your donation will support educational opportunities globally. They accept all sorts: “All books welcome… Good condition, please!”—textbooks as well.
Example: Give your Gray’s Atlas of Anatomy a second life. Maybe, you’ll help some kid to become a doctor across the globe.
Conclusion
So, if you have old textbooks you don’t need anymore, and they have no buyback value on BookScouter, give them to someone who can use them. With our list, you can donate them to various organizations and help others learn new things. Check the places you can donate your textbooks to, so you can help people in your community, across the country, or even around the world.
