Today, we’ll discuss one of the most popular ways of decluttering: giving your old books a new life by donating them to other people and organizations. This post will be helpful if you have a few (or many reads) you want to get rid of in bulk without a hassle.

We already covered New York when we discussed the best places to sell books in the area. Today, we’ll focus on the local organizations and online resources that accept book donations in New York City and surrounding areas.

There are numerous organizations and places where you can donate books that will be put to good use, whether these are libraries, charities, hospitals, local non-governmental organizations, or local educational programs and homeschooling groups. In this guide, we prepared two lists—one with local places and another with online alternatives—that will help you find the perfect place and a new home for your old copies.

1. Local Places to Donate Books in New York
2. Online Alternatives for Donating Books
3. FAQs
   • What types of books can I donate?
   • Can I donate textbooks?
   • Do I need to organize my titles?
   • How do I donate books in NYC?
   • Are there book donation centers in Staten Island or Brooklyn?
   • Is there a tax benefit for donating books in NYC?
4. How to Sell Your Books in NY: An Alternative to Donating

Local Places to Donate Books in New York

We’ll start with the list of the organizations and stores that accept book donations.

Housing Works Bookstore Café

Address: 126 Crosby St, New York, NY 10012
Website: Housing Works Bookstore Café

Housing Works is a nonprofit that provides services to those affected by HIV/AIDS. They fight to “create the change needed to end the AIDS epidemic and homelessness crisis.” The organization accepts various donations, but their bookstore café welcomes books in good salable condition (even those prior to publication advanced reader copies), which are sold to raise funds for their programs.

They do not accept items in poor condition, with markings or excessive wear, damaged by water or mildew, or missing pages, textbooks, encyclopedias, etc. They can refuse any donations that do not meet their standards. You can bring your donations into the bookstore from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends. For more information, please contact them in advance.

The New York Public Library (NYPL)

Address: Various locations across NYC
Website: NYPL

Currently, The New York Public Library doesn’t accept book donations until further notice. However, they make exceptions for specific titles: “For donations of rare books, manuscripts, and other unique material to the Research Libraries, please send an email to gifts@nypl.org.” Contact them in advance regarding your request.

The Strand

Address: 828 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
Website: Strand

We already covered the Strand—a “Legendary Home of 18 Miles of Books” and the largest (and oldest remaining) used/antiquarian book store in NYC—when we discussed book-selling options in New York, and in this review, we couldn’t but mention it, too.

Famous for its vast collection of books, we know they have a buyback program, so you can definitely offer to sell your books to them. However, it’s unclear whether they accept book donations. We encourage you to contact the store and inquire about their donation options.

Greenlight Bookstore

Address: 686 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Website: Greenlight Bookstore

Greenlight Bookstore is an independent bookstore in Brooklyn. While it accepts donation requests from local schools and nonprofit organizations, we’re not sure about its donation policy.

You can ask them directly by sending an email to info@greenlightbookstore.com or visiting in person.

The Brooklyn Public Library

Address: Various locations across Brooklyn, NY
Website: The Brooklyn Public Library

The Brooklyn Public Library “no longer accepts donations of books and other materials from the public for its collections at its neighborhood libraries.” However, they accept financial donations if you want to help them raise funds for various library programs.

Books Through Bars

Address: 123 Columbia St, Brooklyn, NY
Website: Books Through Bars

Books Through Bars is an “all volunteer-run group that sends free, donated books to incarcerated people across the nation!” They collect books for incarcerated individuals in New York state. They focus on providing educational resources, novels, and self-help books.

Donations can be dropped off at various locations in NYC or mailed. Please keep in mind that they don’t accept hardcovers and don’t make pick-ups. Your used English dictionaries, Spanish/English dictionaries, and thesauruses will be most welcome. The full list of accepted titles can be found on their website.

The Salvation Army—Greater New York Division

Address: Various locations in New York
Website: The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army in NYC, as well as other locations across the country, accepts donations of books, clothing, appliances, and other goods. You can check the full list on their website.

To get the details about the process, call your local donation center. They sell donated stuff in thrift stores and use funds to support community services and various programs.

Reading Reflections

Address: New York City, Woodbury, and Stony Brook
Website: Reading Reflections

“Reading Reflections saw the tremendous need for books both locally and in impoverished areas globally, so had to step in.” They accept donations of children’s and young adult books, which they further distribute to schools, organizations, and social workers in need, both in New York and overseas.

You can make a donation through drop-off locations. For larger donations,  schedule a pick-up.

Staten Island Libraries—Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library

Address: 2550 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10314

The Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library is one of the branches of The New York Public Library. You can also contact them to inquire about the possibility of book donations in the area. If they don’t do it, check out other Staten Island locations.

Reach Out and Read NYC

Address: Pick up from you
Website: Reach Out and Read NYC

Reach Out and Read NYC is part of a nationwide initiative that introduces books to children during pediatric visits. They accept donations of baby and children’s literature and distribute it further to families at pediatric offices. If you have something to donate, simply fill out the online form on their website to schedule a pick-up.

East Village Books NYC

Address: 99 Saint Marks Place between First Ave. & Ave. A, NY
Website: East Village Books NYC

We’ve already covered this store when we listed the places for buyback in NY. This shop also accepts donations: “If you would like to donate books, perhaps because a librarian at one of the New York Public Library branches referred you, we can work with you on this.”

They are specifically interested in art and photography books, philosophy, mathematics, religion, occult, esoterica, new age, counter-culture, left/radical, critical theory, music, literary fiction, and a long list of other titles. Make sure you send photos of your literature (spines) to eastvillagebooksny@aol.com before you come in person.

Westsider Rare & Used Books Inc.

Address: 2246 Broadway, New York, NY, 1002
Website: Westsider Rare & Used Books

This store buys books back for cash or store credit and also accepts donations. If you’re willing to give away your old copies of fiction for free, contact the owner. However, keep in mind that they don’t accept textbooks, travel guides, Dummies Guides, encyclopedias, Reader’s Digests, Time Life, or magazines.

Also, if you have damaged or annotated books, you might better send them to recycling right away. To get more details, call them or bring your items in after 12 p.m.

ReLIT NY

Address: New York, NY

ReLIT NY (Read, Recycle, Repeat Literature In Transit) is a reading and recycling program that brings free books to New York’s commuters.

They leave all sorts of free literature at major subway stations so that everyone can read them. Apparently, donating is easy with ReLIT: you can simply leave your used books at their stand at subway stations.

The Book Fairies

Address: 70 N Main St, Freeport, NY 11520
Website: The Book Fairies

The Book Fairies is a charitable organization dedicated to spreading the joy of reading by collecting and distributing literature to those in need. They accept a wide range of books, including children’s literature, fiction, cookbooks, and textbooks (up to 10 years old).

They also offer pick-up services for larger donations in Long Island and Eastern Queens. Check their map of drop-off locations to find the closest to you.

The Book Cellar

Address: 1465 York Ave, New York, NY 10075
Website: The Book Cellar NYC

The Book Cellar is managed by the Friends of the Webster Library. It’s a nice used bookstore with a great selection of titles for all ages, from children’s readers to classics, comics, and modern fiction and nonfiction. They accept book donations; however, make sure your copies are in very good condition—hardcovers with dust jackets, no yellowed pages, underlining, or writing inside.

Also, be ready to take home everything that they refuse to accept, as they don’t dispose of books themselves. If this happens, you can prepare by reading our guide on recycling books and textbooks.

Room to Grow

Address: South Bronx Family Center: 424 East 147th Street, Floor 5, Bronx, NY 10455
Website: Room to Grow

This nonprofit organization helps low-income families with young children. They accept donations of baby, toddler, board, and picture books in English and Spanish. To donate, you can drop off items at their Bronx location.

Schedule a drop-off meeting, mail them to the provided address, or request a pick-up (keep in mind that it’s not free: there’s a $100 charge).

Online Alternatives for Donating Books

Apart from the local places in the New York area, there are also organizations that accept literature countywide. We’ve already given you a list of places where you can donate used books in the U.S. Here are just a few you can use locally.

Better World Books

Website: Better World Books

Better World Books doesn’t need an introduction. The organization accepts book donations via boxes across the U.S. and uses them to promote literacy. Then, books are sold online, and a portion of the funds goes to support various initiatives. Check their website for more information.

Book Mooch

Website: Book Mooch

This is a global book exchange system and a community-driven website that allows you to exchange used books. So, you sort of give them away for free, but the process is a bit different, and you’re in a win-win situation. You send your books to others, and in return, you earn points to request books.

Give Back Box

Website: Give Back Box

Give Back Box allows you to donate books to various charities by shipping boxes. In your case, you can give away a box of your unwanted books. You go to their website, choose a charity, fill a box with books, and send it for free. “Your boxed donations can now be dropped off at

any Kohl’s location using your smartphone and a QR code.”

World Literacy Foundation

Website: World Literacy Foundation

Finally, The World Literacy Foundation offers that you “Donate today and open a world of possibilities for a child.” You can send them your old copies that will find their way to schools, libraries, and children in need around the world.

FAQs

1. What types of books can I donate?

Most bookstores and organizations accept gently used books in good condition. Children’s books, fiction, and non-fiction are always welcome.

2. Can I donate textbooks?

While many places accept all sorts of books, some organizations may have specific needs or restrictions and do not take in textbooks, encyclopedias, or very old or worn books. Also, avoid donating damaged, moldy, or heavily underlined items.

3. Do I need to organize my titles?

You can organize your books by genre or size to help the receiving party sort and distribute them more easily, making the donation process smoother.

4. How do I donate books in NYC?

As we’ve mentioned earlier, you can either visit the many stores, libraries, or drop-off locations around the city yourself, or mail your books, or schedule a pick-up. For each specific case, check each organization’s guidelines and working hours.

5. Are there book donation centers in Staten Island or Brooklyn?

Sure. Staton Island has 13 New York Public Library locations. There’s also the Brooklyn Public Library. And there are plenty of charities across these areas that accept books.

6. Is there a tax benefit for donating books in NYC?

Most organizations provide tax receipts for donations, which can be claimed on your taxes. IRS Publication 526 (2023), Charitable Contributions, states that “Generally, you can deduct contributions of money or property you make to, or for the use of, a qualified organization.” and “You can deduct your contributions only if you make them to a qualified organization.”

So, if you donate books to an organization that fits this description, you can qualify for a tax deduction. However, please note that this is not a piece of legal advice, and you need to consult your tax specialist for a comprehensive answer.

How to Sell Your Books in NY: An Alternative to Donating

If you aren’t ready to part with your used books for free, you can sell them to thrift bookstores and online platforms with buyback programs.

You can always go to BookScouter to find the best offers all in one place. It’s a great price comparison platform to sell, buy, and rent used books. It’s a convenient buyback resource finder as it offers comparisons of prices from different vendors (30+) and can be used both by users who sell their books from time to time and seasoned scouts (you can check our  BookScouter Pro Tools review to get all the details).

If you’re looking to make a bit of money from your old textbooks, educational materials, or even trade paperbacks you no longer need, BookScouter should be on your list of resources.

We  also recommend checking out our previous articles about the best local buyback places and online resources in Atlanta, Ashburn, Denver, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Diego, Boston, and Seattle.

“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” That’s what the King of Horror, Stephen King, once said, and honestly, he nailed it.

But here’s the thing: magic can get a little messy when your precious reads start taking over every surface in your home. Let’s admit, we’ve all been there—stacking novels on nightstands, hiding paperbacks under coffee tables, and cramming hardcovers into every spare corner. It’s chaotic, and let’s face it, not the way your beloved books deserve to be treated.

So, what should a book lover do? Whether you have a small space or an entire room to dedicate to your library, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of 26 creative book storage that are functional, stylish, and just plain fun. Let’s dive into some seriously inspiring ways to store and showcase your favorite books.

26 Creative Book Storage Ideas:

Image Credit	1. Literary Closet Chic Turn your bookshelves into a fusion of fashion and literature by organizing books in a color gradient alongside your favorite bags and shoes. This design will elevate your space with a stylish, personalized aesthetic, making it the perfect backdrop for creative outfit pairings that match your literary vibe.
Image Credit	2. Trope-Themed Book Corner Create a “bookish family” by organizing books of similar tropes together, such as beach reads for your vacation, YA fantasy, enemies-to-lovers stories, or mystery romance novels. This clever storage idea helps you instantly find the perfect book to match your reading mood while giving your shelves a cohesive and charming look.
Image Credit	3. Spiral Tower Library Elevate your built-in bookshelves with a bold centerpiece: a spiral book tower. The built-in shelves create the timeless elegance of a personal library, while the spiral stack adds a modern, artistic flair. Together, they form a mesmerizing blend of classic and contemporary storage.
Image Credit	4. Greenery & Literature Retreat Combine bookshelves and plants to create a harmonious space that blends beauty and function. The books inspire creativity and nurture the mind, while the plants purify the air and reduce stress. That way, you’ll transform your home into a serene oasis that feeds both the soul and intellect. Win-win.
Image Credit	5. Stacked Elegance Store your books in small, curated stacks to save space and add a decorative touch to your room. These stacks can be arranged by color, theme, or personal favorites, creating a stylish and accessible display. Perfect for small tables, shelves, or desks, this method brings charming order to your collection.
Image Credit	6. Staggered Symphony When you arrange books in a staggered manner across your shelves, you’ll create a balanced and harmonious visual flow. By alternating books with plants, decor, and empty spaces, this design emphasizes symmetry and keeps the display dynamic and interesting.
Image Credit	7. Seasonal Shelf Styling Use coffee table books as the foundation to stylize your bookshelf for a specific season. Pair them with seasonal decor like candles, flowers, or small accessories to create an inviting display. For greater inspiration, check out some coffee table book decor ideas. This approach will keep your bookshelf fresh and reflective of the time of year.
Image Credit	8. Whimsical Book Display for Kids Showcase children’s books on floating shelves to create an accessible and visually engaging display. Once you arrange books with vibrant covers outward, you’ll encourage young readers to explore and choose their favorites. This playful yet organized setup adds a touch of charm to any kid’s room or play area.
Image Credit	9. Adorned Book Stack Create an eye-catching display by stacking your books vertically and accessorizing them with decorative elements like a plant, candles, or small trinkets. This setup not only keeps your favorite reads organized but also radiates soft and romantic vibes. Besides, it’s perfect for creating an Instagram-worthy corner!
Image Credit	10. Staircase Story Trail Line your staircase with books to create an unusual trail that showcases your love for reading. This creative storage idea not only maximizes unused space but also turns your stairs into a conversation-starting feature. It’s a playful and functional way to integrate books into your home’s architecture.
Image Credit	11. Staircase Library Maximize functionality by integrating a bookshelf directly into your staircase design. This clever use of space creates a sleek aesthetic keeping your book collection organized and accessible. Perfect for book lovers who want to merge modern architecture with literary charm.
Image Credit	12. Bedroom Book Haven Store books in your bedroom to keep your favorite reads within arm’s reach. Placing shelves or stacks alongside your bed will create a cozy and personal reading nook that enhances your relaxation space. It’s a must-try for book lovers who enjoy winding down with a good story before sleep.
Image Credit	13. TV Console Library Utilize the shelf beneath your TV to store books and small decorative items. This multifunctional space keeps your collection organized and aesthetically complements your living room’s design. It’s a perfect blend of entertainment and style for a book-filled atmosphere.
Image Credit	14. Book Tree of Knowledge Bring a touch of nature indoors with a tree-shaped bookshelf. Each book becomes a “fruit” on the tree, waiting to be picked and enjoyed. This artistic and functional design transforms your book collection into a stunning centerpiece, perfect for a reading corner.
Image Credit	15. Bohemian Book Wall You can transform an entire wall into a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf to create a library-like atmosphere in your home. Add potted plants and decorative accents to soften the look and bring warmth to the space. This setup is perfect for maximizing storage as well as showcasing your book collection as a captivating focal point.
Image Credit	16. Colorful Book Cart Organize your books in a vibrant, portable book cart for a flexible and fun storage solution. The tiers provide ample space for different genres or themes, and the wheels make it easy to move your mini-library around. Add decorative touches like flowers or trinkets to personalize the look and brighten your space.
Image Credit	17. Floating Book Magic Create an extraordinary space with invisible bookshelves that make your books appear to float in mid-air. These “flying” bookshelves are a sleek alternative to traditional storage, turning your collection into a magical design element. Perfect for creating a statement wall while saving space.
Image Credit	18. Book Stand Display Use a stylish book stand to showcase your favorite books and keep them open for easy reading or display. This setup is perfect for highlighting beautiful covers, quotes, or illustrations while adding an elegant touch to your desk or shelf. It’s a simple yet sophisticated way to celebrate your love for books.
Image Credit	19. Kitchen Island Cookbook Spot Integrate a bookshelf into your kitchen island to store your favorite cookbooks stylishly and conveniently. This book storage idea keeps your culinary inspirations within arm’s reach and adds elegance to your kitchen space. It is ideal for combining practicality with aesthetic appeal.
Image Credit	20. Vibrant Modern Bookshelf Add a pop of color to your space with a vibrant bookshelf that reflects your personal style and taste. This design seamlessly blends with any interior decor and provides ample storage for books, accessories, and decorative pieces. It’s both a functional and eye-catching addition to your room.
Image Credit	21. Rainbow Shelf Delight Organize your books in a rainbow gradient to create a vibrant and visually appealing bookshelf. This color-coordinated idea transforms your collection into a statement piece, adding personality and cheer to any room. It’s a creative way to celebrate your love for books and your sense of style.
Image Credit	22. Bookshelf with Stories Turn your bookshelf into a curated narrative by combining books—especially travel books—with meaningful objects, plants, and keepsakes. Add items that reflect the stories within the books or evoke personal memories, such as souvenirs from travels or culturally inspired artifacts. This approach transforms your bookshelf into a functional and artistic piece, blending the beauty of literature with the rich stories of your own life.
Image Credit	23. Hardcover Highlights & Softcover Layers Display hardcover books stacked prominently to showcase their bold spines and elegant designs while arranging softcover novels horizontally or tucked neatly into corners. Complement the books with small plants or decorative accents like candles or figurines to add charm to your shelves.
Image Credit	24. Low-Level Library Incorporate a low bookshelf to create a seamless blend of storage and decor in your space. Perfect for organizing books while doubling as a display for art, plants, or collectibles, this design keeps everything within easy reach. Ideal for dining or living areas, it provides functionality and maintains an open and airy feel.
Image Credit	25. Tower of Books Create a striking vertical book stack tower for a minimalistic and space-saving storage solution. This modern design adds height and visual interest to your space, turning your book collection into an artistic focal point.
Image Credit	26. Minimalist Open Bookshelf An open bookshelf combines functionality with a clean, modern aesthetic. Use this bookshelf to display books alongside decorative pieces, creating a balanced and stylish arrangement. The open design allows for a light and airy feel, making it a perfect addition to small spaces or minimalist interiors.

Final Thoughts

Books are more than just pages and words—they’re memories, adventures, and pieces of your soul. How you store them should reflect that. Whether you’re stacking them high, color-coding them, or tucking them into unexpected corners, the right and practical storage ideas can transform your collection into a statement of who you are.

If you’re ready to take your love for books even further, explore our tips on organizing your collection, decluttering your shelves, or even creating a minimalist library. And when it’s time to part with books, check out where to donate used books or support book charities in the US. For more unique ideas, don’t miss our posts on book collecting and crafting beautiful book bouquets. Because a well-loved book deserves a well-loved space—and an inspired journey.

You’re probably all too familiar with this scenario: you’re organizing and cleaning up your room, and part of that involves dealing with the pile of books taking up space on your shelf.

As you go through them, you realize you probably won’t read most of these a second time. So, what are you going to do with them?

Maybe donating them to the library has crossed your mind. If so, you’re on the right track!

Libraries actually love book donations. It makes sense: they help support programs, stock shelves, and even fuel book sales to raise funds so the library can keep operating.

If you’re just here to get your question, “Can you donate books to the library?” answered, here’s the answer: yes!

But before you show up with a box full of novels (and maybe a couple of questionable textbooks), you need to know a few important things about donating books to your local library.

1. What You Need to Know About Library Book Donations
2. What Kind of Books Do Libraries Accept?
3. How to Donate Books to Your Library
4. What If Your Library Doesn’t Accept Donations?
5. Should You Donate All Your Books?
6. Donate, Sell, or Recycle…It’s All Good

What You Need to Know About Library Book Donations

Yes, you can donate books to the library. But it’s not always as simple as dropping them off at the front desk. Libraries often have specific policies about what they can and can’t accept. If your local library is around the corner, it might be a good idea to stop by and simply ask them about their requirements and procedures. Or give them a call or check if you can find any information on their website.

And what do libraries even do with these book donations? Some books go straight into circulation, while others are sold during fundraising events like book fairs.

Either way, donating is a great way to give your books a new home while supporting a good cause. Just make sure to check your library’s website or give them a quick call to learn about their guidelines.

What Kind of Books Do Libraries Accept?

Unfortunately, not every book is a good candidate for a library book donation.

Before packing up your books, ensure they fall into the “yes, please” category. Most libraries are happy to accept the following:

• Gently used fiction and nonfiction: Think current bestsellers, classics, or timeless nonfiction.
• Recent textbooks: Only if they’re not too outdated (your 1998 chemistry textbook may not make the cut).
• Children’s books: Kids’ books are always in demand, especially those in good condition.

So, these are all great and usually received with open arms. But which books won’t make the cut?

Avoid donating books that are water-damaged, torn, or covered in mysterious stains (you know the ones). Libraries also tend to shy away from old encyclopedias, magazines, and anything that looks like it belongs in a time capsule.

If you have any of those kinds of books lying around, it might be better to recycle them or give them to someone you know who is into that stuff (a collector, maybe…).

How to Donate Books to Your Library

So, now you’re ready to get to donating…but how does this actually work? Three simple steps will do it:

1. Check with your local library: Call or visit their website to confirm they’re accepting donations. Some libraries have specific drop-off dates or limits on how many books you can donate.
2. Sort your books: Only include items that meet the library’s standards (no broken spines or missing pages).
3. Drop them off: Libraries often have donation bins or designated drop-off locations. Be sure to follow their instructions to make everyone’s life easier.

Donating your books to the library is usually relatively easy. After all, you’re doing something good for them. So don’t let any of the requirements and steps scare you off, and just go for it.

What If Your Library Doesn’t Accept Donations?

No worries, there are plenty of other ways to give your books a second life:

• You could donate books to charity or to a book drive. Many organizations will happily take your books to distribute to schools, shelters, or underserved communities.
• You can look for local book charities in the US. Some nonprofits specialize in getting books into the hands of those who need them.
• You can recycle damaged books. If your books are beyond saving, don’t throw them in the trash! Learn how to recycle books.

Should You Donate All Your Books?

So, can you donate books to the library? For sure! But should you donate all of them?

Before you give away your entire collection, take a moment to check if any of your books might be worth something. Some titles, especially textbooks or rare editions, can have resale value.

BookScouter is a great tool that can help you find out how much your books are worth. It lets you compare prices and find out if your books have buyback offers. You might be sitting on a goldmine (or at least enough to cover your next coffee run). And think about it this way: selling a few valuable books can help fund your next reading spree.

Donate, Sell, or Recycle…It’s All Good

Donating books to the library is a thoughtful way to support your community, help the environment, and give your books a fresh start. Just double-check your library’s policies and consider whether any of your books could be resold for extra cash.

Whether you’re donating, selling, or recycling, sorting out books currently collecting dust is a great choice. These books can find new homes and continue to bring joy.

Are you ready to declutter and make a difference? Check out where to donate used books, where to donate textbooks, or what to do with old textbooks for more ideas.

Happy book rehoming!

This is an interesting question that can be answered in two ways. If you want to annotate a book to better understand what you read, it’s one thing. If you want to annotate resources for an academic paper, then you need to create an annotated bibliography.

In this article, we will discuss both book annotation cases and provide examples for them.

• How to Annotate a Book—Annotation as a Reading Strategy
  • Why Annotate?
  • How to Annotate?
• How to Annotate a Book—Annotated Bibliography
  • Citing vs. Annotating
  • Annotated Bibliography Types and Examples

How to Annotate a Book—Annotation as a Reading Strategy

Annotating a book is an active reading strategy that can help you understand and analyze the material better.

It involves making notes and highlights directly in the book as you read. With the help of annotations, you can track your thoughts, ask questions, and leave your reactions—in other words, you’re reading more actively.

Why Annotate?

It’s a great question, particularly if we consider the visual appeal of the book. However, if you own the book and do not intend to sell it in the future, you are free to do whatever you wish with it. It’s true for all books but works especially well for textbooks: annotating while reading helps organize the most important information, identify key concepts, and track your learning progress. It also helps you prepare for exams more effectively and efficiently.

How to Annotate?

To annotate effectively, use a few or all of these tips:

• Sum up key points in your own words.
• Circle or underline key concepts, phrases, or any unfamiliar or vocabulary words. You can even write their definitions in the margins.
• Highlight or underline important parts such as the sentences carrying the main idea of a paragraph, chapter, etc. You can even put brackets around it.

• Write short comments and questions in the margins: any intrinsic details, examples, facts, or quotes.
• Use abbreviations and symbols to mark your reactions (e.g., “?” when you have a question about a particular piece of text, “!” when you find something noteworthy, “*” when there’s a good example or evidence for future use—or any other symbols you like). You can even use shorthand writing if you know how to do it.
• Use colored sticky tabs to note parts of the book to get back to. Label the colors to use in different cases (e.g., blue for great quotes, pink for questions, orange for things to remember, etc.)

By annotating the content, you can better summarize what you read. Annotations can also help you take notes later on.

How to Annotate a Book—Annotated Bibliography

Annotating a book as in creating an annotated bibliography is an entirely different process.

An annotated bibliography is used to showcase the importance, accuracy, and credibility of the sources you decide to cite. It also helps you understand the assigned topic better. Also, you can be asked to create an annotated bibliography to check your ability to choose relevant sources for your topic.

Citing vs. Annotating

When it comes to academic writing, it’s important to differentiate between citing sources and annotating a book. Although the two terms are closely related, they are not interchangeable.

A citation simply provides the publication details of a source, formatted in a particular style (e.g., MLA, Chicago style, or APA). In one of our previous articles, we discussed how to cite a textbook, and you can check the full text on our blog: How to Cite a Textbook: A Comprehensive Guide.

An annotation goes further by summarizing the content and evaluating the relevance or quality of the source if you mean it in the context of an annotated bibliography. If you’re creating an annotated bibliography, you first cite the book, then provide a paragraph summarizing and evaluating it as a source.

Annotated Bibliography Types and Examples

Most commonly, you’ll be expected to write either of these annotated bibliographies:

• Descriptive Annotations: These annotations are exactly what they say: they describe the source.
• Summary Annotations: Informative or summary annotations provide a summary of the source.
• Evaluation Annotations: An evaluation annotation focuses less on summarizing and more on evaluating the source.

When you create a bibliography, it’s important to consider why you’re making it. Depending on the purpose, you may want to summarize, evaluate, or reflect on sources. Alternatively, you may do all of it in a combination. Think about why you’re making the bibliography and what instructions you were given before deciding what information to include.

All annotated bibliographies follow a simple but strict structure: a title, annotation, and citation. The annotation itself is usually a piece of text, but the title and citation depiction vary based on your style. Most commonly, you’ll use one of the three: MLA, APA, or Chicago styles.

Here’s an example of an annotated bibliography in the APA style format (7th ed.):

Here’s an example of an annotated bibliography in the MLA style format (9th ed.):

Here’s an example of an annotated bibliography in the Chicago Manual of Style format (17th ed.):

If you learn to annotate, you’ll acquire a great skill that will help you understand any material better. While it’s really up to you to decide whether your book will stay pristinely clean without any marks or highlights or you’ll be identifying key points, asking questions, and noting your reactions in the text itself and the margins, we just point out that annotating does help gain a better and deeper understanding of the book’s arguments.

The same goes for annotated bibliographies—knowing how to create them and some practice will help you a lot in your studies. Now, we hope you know the difference between annotating and creating annotated bibliographies and know how to do both.

If you’re a student who needs extra money, you have an option to sell your textbooks for cash. But what if you do not want to waste time selling your old textbooks or they are so outdated that doesn’t have any buyback value? It can be easier to give them away instead. Although we’ve talked about what to do with old textbooks before, we’ve never focused solely on the topic of donating them. It’s time we give this subject the attention it deserves.

We’ve already told you where to donate used books. But what about textbooks? There’s a difference. While a 1970 edition of Pride and Prejudice or a 1977 edition of Children Of Dune will always be welcome at any donation center, a heavily used copy of a college textbook like Airport Engineering (1984) might not be suitable for some organizations due to its outdated content.

So, where to donate textbooks? A bunch of structural engineering materials (again, your uncle’s legacy) with different publication years? Or your mom’s The Basic Practice of Statistics and Political Geography (probably no longer relevant)? Check a few recommendations we’ve prepared for you.

Giving New Life to Old Textbooks: Donation Options

In one of our earlier articles, we talked about ways to reuse old textbooks. Let’s now get into more details regarding the donation part.

Charitable Organizations

Numerous charities accept book donations, including textbooks. By donating your old textbooks to organizations like the Salvation Army, you can help them find their way into the hands of those who need them more. To save time, you can check the article on donating books we’ve once covered on BookScouter. You can also read our comprehensive article about top book charities in the US.

However, make sure you donate something that people can actually use. The thing about old textbooks and encyclopedias—especially the ones on technical subjects—is that after a few years, they go out of date.

Example: So, math textbooks will be more likely to be accepted, while your uncle’s copy of GPS-Based Airport Operations (1994) will probably be a welcome read only for someone who is very versed in the topic.

Local Libraries

Next, libraries are natural destinations for book and textbook donations. Reach out to your local public or university library and ask about their textbook donation policies.

While libraries are always eager to expand their collections, not all of your textbook treasures will be welcomed enthusiastically. Most educational materials are often too specialized for public libraries (and even for some academic ones), and they are often out of date.

Example: If you’re generous enough to donate something more or less universal (e.g., a copy of popular Campbell’s Biology or Calculus), such textbooks have a higher chance of being accepted.

Schools in Need

Some schools, particularly those in underserved areas or with limited resources, would greatly benefit from textbook donations. However, keep in mind that schools have strict book-acquiring procedures, and your books will have to be reviewed and approved for content, language, etc. There’s a high chance that plenty of fiction pieces won’t be accepted.

At the same time, your kids’ old textbooks (that are a part of the curriculum) might be accepted and serve a really good purpose. Therefore, we recommend contacting your local schools or school districts to understand their needs and donation procedures.

Example: We’re positive that such titles as The Elements of Style or Holt Literature & Language Arts will we gladly accepted.

Community Centers and Youth Organizations

Community centers, after-school programs, and youth organizations often have educational initiatives that could benefit from textbook donations. These organizations strive to provide resources for children and young adults, and your donated textbooks might be a valuable asset.

So, if you are willing to part with your gently used textbooks (especially math, science, or literature), community and youth initiatives will be ready to accept your donation. You can start by contacting Kids Need to Read, for example. This organization provides books to underfunded schools, libraries, and literacy programs that help disadvantaged children across the US.

Example: D’accord! textbooks you no longer need can help someone else master French, Descubre—improve Spanish, Interactive Science—get better at Chemistry, and so on.

Senior Centers and Retirement Homes

Many senior centers and retirement homes have libraries or reading programs that would welcome donations of educational materials. While textbooks are very specialized read, some senior residents may be interested in exploring new subjects and expanding their knowledge.

Here are some examples:

• ElderTLC is a Phoenix-based non-profit that accepts book donations and distributes them to low-income seniors in care facilities they support. Though on their website, they specifically mention “Adult coloring books, puzzle books, sketch pads”, you can still reach out to them and ask about textbooks.
• West Chester Area Senior Center has a “Second Reading” bookstore that accepts donated books. Maybe textbooks, too?
• Stoneham Senior Center has partnered with Discover Books to collect book donations in bins behind their center.

Example: While most of your textbooks may not be that relevant to seniors, someone might be interested in the copies of Orientalism or Imagined Communities: Reflections on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism that migrated to your garage box from your second cousin’s house.

Correctional Facilities and Prison Programs

Several correctional facilities offer educational programs for inmates. Organizations like Books to Prisoners accept book donations to support their initiativesaim to provide educational materials to incarcerated individuals. You can check their website to understand what they need and whether they accept textbooks.

Example: For instance, the Claremont Forum’s Prison Library Project states on their book donation page that they need the following books: “Trade skills: Auto mechanics, electrical, CDL licensing, carpentry, etc.” and “Language dictionaries and grammar books especially Spanish, ASL” as well as “Reference books (paperback almanacs, dictionaries, thesauri, atlases)” among a very broad range of other titles. So if you have a copy of Collins Spanish Dictionary: Complete and Unabridged or Auto Repair for Beginners, you can send your books to the project for sure.

International Book Donation Programs

If you’re interested in making a global impact, consider donating your textbooks to organizations like Books for Africa. Such initiatives aim to address educational challenges in regions with the limited access to learning materials. They specifically accept “…primary, secondary, and college textbooks (soft and hard cover) published in the last 15 years…dictionaries or reference books published in the last 10 years, except encyclopedia sets…medical, nursing, technical and science books published in the last 10 years”.

Example: So, it’s a surest place to send them your copies of Social Research Methods and Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory Manual.

Better World Books

Better World Books collects and resells books to fund literacy initiatives worldwide. You can locate their book drop boxes across the US and give your old textbooks to them, knowing that your donation will support educational opportunities globally. They accept all sorts: “All books welcome… Good condition, please!”—textbooks as well.

Example: Give your Gray’s Atlas of Anatomy a second life. Maybe, you’ll help some kid to become a doctor across the globe.

Conclusion

So, if you have old textbooks you don’t need anymore, and they have no buyback value on BookScouter, give them to someone who can use them. With our list, you can donate them to various organizations and help others learn new things. Check the places you can donate your textbooks to, so you can help people in your community, across the country, or even around the world.

Selling textbooks on Chegg is one way to declutter your shelves and earn extra cash. Chegg is a leading platform in the education industry that offers textbook rentals and study resources, as well as a way to sell your used books. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the selling process, learn about GoTextbooks (Chegg’s buyback website), and go through the textbook selling process with you. While it’s not the most profitable book-selling opportunity, you can still keep Chegg in mind.

• What Is Chegg?
• Chegg Book Buyback Update
• What Is GoTextbooks?
• Selling Textbooks on Chegg/GoTextbooks
• What Textbooks Can You Sell on Chegg?
• How to Sell Books on Chegg/GoTextbooks
• Other Ways to Sell Your Textbooks

What Is Chegg?

Chegg Inc. is an American education technology company that specializes in online tutoring, eBook and physical textbook rentals, and other student services. Founded in 2005, Chegg has become a huge online education platform that provides various services to support students’ learning process.

• Its primary service is textbook rentals, both in physical and digital formats. You can rent books and save cash instead of buying expensive books every semester. 
• In addition to textbook rentals, they have a service called Chegg Study. This service provides step-by-step solutions to problems in over 9,000 textbooks, which can be useful if you need extra help understanding your coursework. You can even ask up to 20 new questions each month, which will be answered by experts on the site.
• Chegg Writing is a tool that assists students in crafting their essays and research papers. It offers plagiarism checking, grammar correction, and citation help to ensure that students submit high-quality, academically honest work.
• If you’re struggling with math, Chegg Math Solver provides step-by-step solutions.
• In recent years, Chegg has also focused on career services, offering internship and job search assistance. 
• Chegg’s services are accessible through a monthly subscription model, making them more affordable for many students than traditional tutoring or textbook purchase costs.

We’ve already made a comprehensive overview of Chegg our Slader (Quizlet Explanations) vs. Chegg Study vs. Course Hero—Textbook Answers Comparison blog post as well as highlighted their textbook rental services in the Top 7 Websites to Rent Books in 2023—you may also want to check these materials.

Chegg Book Buyback Update

Chegg used to have its own textbook buyback program. On the website, the page where you can read about the buyback process is still active. However, it looks like Chegg doesn’t do this anymore. 

What Is GoTextbooks?

Once you click on the Get started button, you’re redirected to GoTextbooks. 

On the GoTextbooks website, there’s an answer to whether you’ll be selling your books to Chegg, “No, all textbooks are purchased by GoTextbooks. An independent buyer separate from Chegg.” 

Looks like it’s one of the Chegg-owned companies that will be fulfilling and managing textbook inventory for them. So technically, the process of selling textbooks will stay the same for the users; they will simply be doing it on a different website, “GoTextbooks announced in June it will serve as Chegg Inc.’s new textbook fulfillment and operations provider.”

GoTextbooks has a comprehensive FAQ list; however, if you have any other questions, you can email them to support@gotextbooks.com.

Selling Textbooks on Chegg/GoTextbooks

To sell your textbooks on GoTextbooks and see the price offer, enter the ISBN into the search field.

What Textbooks Can You Sell on Chegg?

For some reason, GoTextbooks doesn’t accept just any textbook. We’ve tried a dozen ISBNs in the most popular categories and got the following results for almost every search: “Sorry, ISBN(s) 9780134396026 is not available in our system or we are not currently buying it back. Please double check if the ISBN is correct.”

 In fact, the only textbooks we got offers for were:

• The Feynman Lectures on Physics, boxed set: The New Millennium Edition (ISBN: 0465023827)
• Color Atlas of Veterinary Histology3rd edition (ISBN-13: 9780470958513)

We assume that your best bet is to look for offers in the Science, Technology, or Economics categories. Probably, Chegg/GoTextbooks can’t store more textbooks, or they simply don’t need new books. So our advice is to check the websites from time to time.

How to Sell Books on Chegg/GoTextbooks

Next, if you’re ok with the sell-back price offers, click Continue and proceed to your cart.

Another important note is that “GoTextbooks does not buy back books with broken covers, water damage, or excessive highlighting.” Here’s a broader list of what they do not accept: 

• Severe damage to the cover, pages, or binding
• Pages that are torn or missing
• Damage from water exposure
• Excessive highlighting or writing
• ISBN that has been tampered with or differs from the quoted ISBN
• Suspected counterfeit items

Therefore, ensure your books are in very good condition without stickers covering a book’s ISBN.

In the next step, you’ll be asked to sign in or sign up before continuing. Once you do it, you fill in your details, get and print a free shipping label, and drop your textbooks off at a local UPS store.

Once GoTextbooks receive your textbooks, you get paid. They offer two payment options: by Check (within 7–14 business days or via PayPal (within 2–14 business days).

Other Ways to Sell Your Textbooks

Now that you know how to sell textbooks to Chegg/GoTextbooks, you can see the limitations of this method. Most likely, you be selling your books for little money and only those that Chegg is currently willing to accept.

Therefore, we suggest checking BookScouter. It’s an excellent option for students to sell their textbooks for cash. Though not a direct vendor, the platform makes the price comparison process from several book buyers fast and easy. You can scan a book’s barcode or ISBN to immediately get the prices from multiple buyers (there’re about 30+ vendors on BookScouter). You can then pick the best offer and proceed to sell your book without hassle. Here’s what you can get for your copy of Color Atlas of Veterinary Histology3rd edition when you look it up on BookScouter:

As you can see, many book buyers at BookScouter can offer you better prices than Chegg. The best part about the platform is that you can use its price comparison tool to find great deals on any used books, not just textbooks. 

If you’re interested in learning more about selling used textbooks, we have more helpful articles. Check them out!

• 15 Places Where to Sell Your Textbooks
• How to Sell Used Textbooks Profitably: Redditors’ Experience
• How to Sell Textbooks on Amazon
• Top 5 Best Websites to Sell Books in 2023
• What To Do With Old Textbooks in 2023

To sum it up, selling textbooks to platforms like Chegg has pros and cons.

On the plus side, these platforms offer a simple and potentially profitable way to get back some of the money you spent on textbooks.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind. The prices offered by these platforms may not be as high as you would hope, considering the true value of your textbooks. Additionally, as you may recall, Chegg/GoTextbooks won’t accept just any book, which can make selling your textbooks to them a bit inconvenient.

On the other hand, there are platforms like BookScouter that provide you with more options regarding what you can sell, better prices, and better terms. All in all, it’s important to review each selling option carefully and understand the details before making a decision.