We welcome donations of books, puzzles, DVDs and CDs (music or audiobooks). We especially appreciate books, DVDs and CDs released in the past year, since that allows us to offer more copies of bestsellers while they’re ‘hot’ and still stay within our budget.
Unfortunately, we can’t accept all materials and sometimes have to turn items away, so here are things to keep in mind before you pack your trunk.
Materials we DO accept (up to four boxes or bags at a time of items in good condition only, please):
- Fiction hardcover and paperback books
- Nonfiction hardcover or paperback books
- Music CDs
- Audiobooks on CD
- DVDs
- Puzzles
Materials we DO NOT accept:
- Condensed books (like Readers’ Digest)
- Textbooks
- Audio cassettes
- Videotapes
- Magazines or periodicals
- Encyclopedia sets
Items in good condition can be brought into the library during business hours. We have carts and a hand truck available if needed. Please do not place donations in the library’s book drop or leave them outside the library.
Donated items become the property of the library and can’t be returned.
The library is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, and we will give you a receipt for your donations, but we are prohibited from placing a monetary value on them. Please keep a count of hardcover books, paperback books, DVDs and CDs for your receipt.
If your items don’t meet these guidelines, or if the library is closed, here are other options:
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We now have a Better World Books drop box at the entrance to our parking lot! Please note this bin is also for items in good condition only. Better World Books is a large online reseller that gives the library a percentage of the proceeds, so they are looking for items that are attractive to their buyers — go here for their guidelines. Good news–unlike the library, they do accept college textbooks (published within 10 years). Unsold books are donated or properly recycled.
- You may want to try local used book stores (such as Now and Then, Apport, 2nd & Charles, etc.), Goodwill, American Family Services, or other charitable organizations. They may be open to taking your items depending on their needs and guidelines.
- The Allentown Recycling Center is open to all Lehigh Valley residents. This is the perfect place for items in poor condition, or items that are don’t meet the criteria for the library, Better World Books, or used book stores.
- Finally, you may want to channel your inner Martha Stewart and make something cool with your old books. There are some amazing ideas in there. Holiday gifts, anyone?
Have questions about items you want to donate? Email info@emmauspl.org or give us a call at 610-965-9284.
