What items do you take?
The library is happy to take donations of items in good, usable condition. Sometimes we keep items for our library collection, but most items are given to the Friends of the Library for our used book sales. We love hardcovers, paperbacks, children’s books, DVDs, CDs, and board games and puzzles if they are in good condition with all their pieces. We are also happy to take workbooks like crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and coloring books if they are in new, unused condition.
What don’t you take?
We cannot accept textbooks, encyclopedias, magazines, and condensed books. We also cannot accept any items that are moldy or have insect damage due to the risk of spreading those problems to other books at the library or in our book sale.
Can I get a receipt?
The library is happy to provide a donation receipt for your donated books and other items, but all we are able to provide is a receipt for the number of items, type (hardcover, paperback, etc.), and general condition. Figuring out their value is a job for you and your tax preparer. The IRS’s guidelines for determining value can be found here – http://www.irs.gov/publications/p561/ar02.html#d0e718. Goodwill, for example, suggests that the value of hardcover books is $1-$3 per book. (See http://www.goodwill.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Donation_Valuation_Guide.pdf )
What if I have more valuable items?
If you suspect that you have any titles with more value than the average used book, you should take notes on the title, publication date, condition, dust jacket, and any special characteristics like autographs, and then look them up in online booksellers to determine their value. Some sites to check might include www.abebooks.com and www.alibris.com . Factors that affect value include the edition (first editions of important titles have more value than other editions, in general), the condition of the book and dust jacket, presence of authentic autographs from well-known writers, and rarity of the book. Just because a book is old doesn’t mean it is valuable!