It’s that painful, heart-wrenching time of the year when you once again realize that your ratio of books-owned-by-one-human-being is dangerously skewed. It happens to the best of us! In honor of Thanksgiving we’re highlighting a few ways for you to make sure they find good homes.
Better World Books – The low-shipment-low-hassle approach of Better World Books puts it at the top of our list for three years in a row. All you have to do is box up your old books and print a shipping label directly from their site. BWB will not only pay the shipping but parse through the selection for which to donate and which to resell! Not only that, but for every book you purchase from them, they will in turn donate one! Your books could not be in better hands.
…The big publishers are joining the fray too!
Give A Book – Penguin Random House has already launched its second annual social media campaign, which promotes books as gifts and encourages book donations to children in need during the holiday season. Facebook and Twitter users are encouraged to use the hashtag #GiveaBook until December 24th and in return Penguin Random House will donate up to 35,000 books to the literacy charity First Book.
The Giving Map – In addition, the organization has created The Giving Map—a tool to help people discover where they can make hassle-free donations during the holiday seasons. Booksellers and independent retailers are also encouraged to share information about their own stores’ holiday book drives with the Giving Map Submission Form. Whatever your level, book lover or book retailer, giving a book (or twelve) has never been easier!
Chronicle Books’ #GiveBooks Campaign – Similar hashtag, different organization! Chronicle Books’ fourth annual campaign will donate a book to a child in need through First Book as well… Their goal for this year is 30,000. Help them reach it!
Libraries Without Borders – The first and last stop for libraries and related library support organizations around the world! From training librarians to supporting the building and promotion of new libraries (including virtual ones), the sharing of books—new and old—is their priority. If you have a soft spot for the little library card in your wallet, consider donating books to their cause.
Books for Soldiers and Operation Paperback – Both of these organizations are a great way to get books to our troops. Though they’re run differently, you register on both sites in order to get information on requested books from soldiers. Then you ship directly to the organization or soldier. And no need to worry about shipping costs. Both offer really affordable ways to send your books overseas.
Books for Africa – Books for Africa is, “A simple name for an organization with a simple mission. We collect, sort, ship, and distribute books to children in Africa. Our goal: to end the book famine in Africa.” This organization has good cause written all over it. Though the donations do have restrictions, it’s an excellent way to get involved with promoting literacy and learning.
Book Up – Run by the National Book Award, this organization focuses on getting kids in middle school (a time when research shows kids are most likely to stop reading) into books. “The program introduces activities that emphasize reading as both fun and interactive, all designed to improve students’ social/emotional skills along with their reading skills, and build the confidence necessary to become engaged citizens as adults.” Great cause.
Different ways to give
Still looking for options? Check out these literary kickstarters, all of which could certainly use the help and support. The list includes some great magazines and publishers. Check it out!