Does Goodwill Take Books?
Does Goodwill Take Books? (Complete Donation Guide)
If you’re cleaning out your home library and wondering where to donate your used books, Goodwill is one of the most popular options. But many people still ask the question: Does Goodwill take books?
The short answer is yes — most Goodwill locations do accept book donations. However, there are a few important guidelines you should know before dropping them off.
๐ Does Goodwill Accept Books?
Yes, Goodwill accepts most types of books, including:
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Fiction and non-fiction
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Children’s books
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Cookbooks
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Textbooks (recent editions preferred)
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Self-help and educational books
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Paperbacks and hardcovers
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Classic literature
Goodwill sells donated books in their retail stores or online through select locations. The money earned helps support their mission of providing job training and employment programs.
❌ Books Goodwill May NOT Accept
Although Goodwill accepts many book types, some locations refuse books that are:
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Moldy, wet, or damaged
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Torn, stained, or missing pages
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Outdated textbooks or encyclopedias
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Old technology manuals
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Offensive or banned-content materials
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Books in extremely poor condition
If the books cannot be sold, they may be responsibly recycled — but heavily damaged books may not be accepted at all.
๐ฌ Why Goodwill Accepts Books
Donating books to Goodwill helps support:
✔ Community job training programs
✔ Employment services
✔ Skill-building programs
✔ Local charitable initiatives
Every book you donate contributes to Goodwill’s mission of helping people gain meaningful employment.
๐ Do All Goodwill Stores Accept Books?
Most Goodwill stores do accept book donations, but policies can vary based on:
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Store size
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Donation volume
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Local demand
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Storage availability
Because of this, it’s always best to call your nearest Goodwill location to confirm before dropping off large book loads.
๐ฆ How to Donate Books to Goodwill
Here’s how to donate books easily and responsibly:
1. Sort your books
Remove anything damaged or unusable.
2. Pack in sturdy boxes or bags
Use small boxes to avoid heavy lifting.
3. Visit a Goodwill donation center
Most have drive-thru donation lanes for quick drop-off.
4. Request a tax receipt
Book donations may be tax-deductible in many regions.
♻️ Alternatives If Goodwill Does Not Take Your Books
If your local Goodwill isn’t accepting books, consider these great options:
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Local libraries
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Schools or teachers
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Thrift stores
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Little Free Libraries
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Shelters or community centers
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Used bookstores
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Recycling centers (for damaged books)
These organizations often welcome used books, especially children’s books and educational materials.
๐งพ Final Answer
✔ Yes, Goodwill takes books — as long as they are in good condition.
✔ Most locations accept fiction, nonfiction, kids’ books, textbooks, and more.
✔ Always check with your local store for specific guidelines.
Donating your books to Goodwill is a simple way to declutter your home while supporting your community.
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