The Library (Usually) Doesn’t Want Your Used Books
You’d think the library would want to use your used books! But beyond the occasional sale of used books, libraries usually only get their books from certain sellers. By dumping your used books on them, you are effectively creating volunteer work and exacerbating the situation.
We spoke with librarian Stephanie Anderson, Assistant Director of Selection at BookOps (a joint maintenance service for the New York Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library). She explained what was wrong with dumping books in the library and why they didn’t need them.
Ask first
“Nearly all libraries have a well-defined donation policy,” says Anderson. So look for it before lugging your books. “It will most likely be on their website, and if not, you can ask at any desk in the library or call them.” Ask them who really want your used books and they will usually have a ready answer.
And if the library wants your books, you don’t have to read this post! Congratulations!
Most libraries cannot use your books
Anderson knows potential donors have good intentions. But, she said, “When you insist on donating books to a library that does not accept them, or insist on donating books that the library cannot use, it is disrespectful to the institution you are trying to support.”
“You won’t believe how many people get angry and argue with librarians when they hear about our donation policy,” says Anderson. Imagine an embarrassing person who goes into hysterics for not doing research. Never be that person!
Why They Don’t Need Your Books
In short, books aren’t all the same, and libraries don’t need the ones you get rid of, Anderson says. Even new ones:
In the best case, you can do one of two things with a donated book: add it to the collection or put it up for sale. Many aspiring book donors expect us to do the first, but we almost never do this because it is highly unlikely that we will need to donate a book during handover. To use book budgets wisely, we plan carefully, and this planning cannot be dependent on book donations.
Instead, libraries are bought from vendors. This is the only way to reliably match supply and demand and get fresh books that are definitely free from bed bugs or other hidden defects. And buying a paper book isn’t the only thing that costs money.
Even if they use your book, it’s not free.
When a library adds a new book to their collection, they don’t just unpack it and put it on the shelf. They have to add a barcode, a spine label and laminate it, or add clear mylar film to make it last longer. They must assign this barcode and add the book to the catalog. “This all costs the library money, as does the time of the staff member who processes the book,” says Anderson. “There is never enough working time in libraries.”
The library also needs a place to store each new book. Since they are already doing their job, buying all the books they need, your unwanted book just takes up space until employees spend more time reworking it.
When can you donate books
Of course, this does not apply to the sale of books that the library uses to raise funds and get rid of excess books. (They won’t always need 23 copies of last year’s book by John Grisham.) However, check the donation policy , which probably does not allow textbooks, magazines, and other materials that no one will buy. If you “donate” them, you are creating a work for the library again.
As mentioned, there are other exceptions that you found out about when you Google about your library’s donation policy! The Brooklyn Public Library, for example, is running a pilot program in its central building, accepting new and carefully used books .
What to do instead of donating
You can still help! Most libraries will gladly accept your donations in cash (tax-free). “Many of us depend on these donations to keep our collections in good shape,” says Anderson, “and every dollar helps.”
You can also volunteer to help you learn how libraries work and appreciate the many things they do behind the scenes (and the many services they provide besides books). Remember that most libraries are understaffed and you will free up highly educated librarians for additional technical work so they will appreciate the help.
Here’s What To Do With All These Books
Well, the library has probably told you where else to donate them. You can make money (or store it on credit) by selling it to a bookstore. Or, and this will shock you , you are allowed to throw them away . “This is part of the book circle of life!” – says Anderson.
This may sound strange! Books are magic. But they are also produced in mass quantities, and now they are all digitized too. If your book is very rare, it sells for a lot of money on Amazon and AbeBooks , and you should get it there. If not, don’t worry, there are plenty of copies out there for anyone looking to read them. If your library doesn’t have this book, invite them to buy a copy. To be honest, they would rather buy a new one from a seller.
Anderson notes that books can be recycled almost everywhere in the country. So your old books will get a second life, like an Amazon box for your new books.