Where to Donate Books in Melbourne

When it’s time to declutter, deciding to donate books in Melbourne is one of the most rewarding moves you can make. Over the years helping people pack and move, I’ve seen just how many homes are filled with shelves of books that deserve a second life. Whether you’re downsizing, moving interstate, or simply tidying up, finding a good home for your pre-loved books can make the process even more meaningful.

As someone who’s spent over two decades helping Melburnians move, I’ve come across countless opportunities to give back to the community—and donating furniture or books is one of the easiest ways to do it. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best ways to donate books in Melbourne. I’ve pulled together charities, libraries, community groups, and tips I’ve seen work firsthand while helping clients over the years. Let’s dive into how you can make your move lighter while spreading the gift of reading across our great city.

Charities That Accepts Book Donations in Melbourne

Most Australian charities, including big ones like the Salvation Army and Red Cross, accept book donations. Many of these charities run second-hand stores and rely on book donations to help people in need.

Before donating books in Melbourne, it’s a good idea to call the charity first. Sometimes, they have too many books and can’t accept more.

If you want to donate books in Melbourne, consider these charities. They specifically need book donations:

Greater Dandenong Libraries

• They accept: Drop-off
• They accept: Textbooks, books on political or religious topics (in good condition)
• Locations: Greater Dandenong (Dandenong, Springvale)
• Website:  Greater Dandenong Libraries

How to Donate Books
If you have books you don’t need, you can drop them off at the library. They accept book donations to support education and appreciate good-quality books.

The New International Bookshop

• They accept: Drop-offs
• They accept: Books on LGBTQ issues, philosophy, social issues, arts, comics, and zines
• Locations: Carlton (Trades Hall)
• Website: The New International Bookshop

How to Donate Books
The New International Bookshop has specific requests for books. Check their list online first to see if your books fit. It’s an ideal place for niche book donations.

Babel Books

• They accept: Pick-up (currently on hold for books in English), drop-offs available
• They accept: English, French, and Spanish books
• Locations: Melbourne-wide (contact online first)
• Website: Babel Books

How to Donate Books
If you have books to donate, contact them through their website form and they’ll respond within 24 hours.

How They Help
Babel Books offers affordable, multi-language books in Australia, promoting a circular economy and supporting Magabala Books, an Indigenous publisher.

Preloved Book Shop

• They accept: Drop-off
• Locations: Abbotsford
• Website: Preloved Book Shop

How to Donate Books
If you live in Abbotsford or nearby, fill out their contact form to schedule a drop-off. If you’re elsewhere in Australia, contact them first. They’ll need to check your books’ quality and content via photos first.

How They Help
Preloved Book Shop helps your books find new readers, benefiting the environment and fostering a community of book lovers.

Embrace Education

• They accept: Pick-up from you
• They accept: VCE study guides, textbooks no older than three years, stationery
• Locations: Melbourne-wide (they collect from you)
• Website: Embrace Education

How to Donate Books
Ideal for used, recent textbooks or study guides. Email details about your books, and they’ll arrange pick-up if suitable.

How They Help
Your textbooks help Embrace Education support disadvantaged high school students in Melbourne, especially migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees, through tutoring and homework clubs.

Reading Out of Poverty

• They accept: Drop-off at their donation centre
• They accept: Books for babies and toddlers (0-5 years old), including multilingual books
• They do NOT accept: Books on religious or war topics
• Locations: Melbourne (South Melbourne office/warehouse)
• Website: Reading Out of Poverty

How to Donate Books
Drop off your children’s books at their warehouse or office during regular business hours.

How They Help
Provides books and educational materials to disadvantaged communities, mainly in Victoria, having expanded recently to North Queensland, ACT, and NSW. Over 450,000 books have been donated so far, with 320 pop-up libraries created.

123 Read 2 Me

• They accept: Drop-off in book bins
• They accept: Children’s books in good condition
• Locations: All Melbourne – see locations below
• Website: 123 Read 2 Me Book Bins

How to Donate Books
Book bins are conveniently located near or outside Coles supermarkets around Melbourne.

How They Help
Provides children’s books to maternal health centres and schools. Partnered with Lions International, they’ve donated over 1 million books since 2016.

Brotherhood Books

• They accept: Drop-offs
• They accept: Books in good condition
• They do NOT accept: Encyclopaedias, magazines, outdated textbooks, damaged books
• Locations: All Melbourne – see locations below
• Website: Brotherhood Books

How to Donate Books
Use the link above to find your nearest Brotherhood of St Laurence store. The charity is well-known, and its bookstore helps fund its community work.

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New Charities (2025 Update)

Les Twentyman Foundation – Back to School Program

• They accept: Drop-off
• They accept: Recent textbooks (current curriculum, especially VCE-level)
• Locations: Footscray
• Website: Les Twentyman Foundation

How to Donate Books
Arrange textbook donations by contacting their Footscray office. Ideal before January each year to support students for the school year.

How They Help
Provides textbooks and school supplies for disadvantaged Victorian students.

Books n Boots

• They accept: Drop-off during specific campaigns
• They accept: Children’s and educational books
• Locations: Melbourne-wide (campaign-dependent; see website)
• Website: Books n Boots

How to Donate Books
Check their website or social media for current book drive campaigns and donation instructions.

How They Help
Combines book donations with sports equipment deliveries to remote Indigenous Australian communities.

Aboriginal Literacy Foundation – Books to the North

• They accept: Drop-off (check website first)
• They accept: Children’s books (0–16 years), especially picture books, young adult novels, relevant non-fiction
• They do NOT accept: Adult novels, textbooks, encyclopaedias, damaged books
• Locations: Melbourne/Ballarat (check website first)
• Website: Aboriginal Literacy Foundation

How to Donate Books
Check their website for current guidelines and donation acceptance updates before donating.

How They Help
Sends donated children’s books to Indigenous communities in remote northern regions where books are scarce.

Places Where to Donate Books in Melbourne

Donating books is a great way to declutter and share your love of reading! This guide explores all your options, from giving to friends and family to finding new homes for them in the community.

Sharing with loved ones: Start by offering your books to friends, family, and neighbours. This keeps books circulating and contributes to a “circular economy” where items are reused.

Donating to Institutions:

• Schools and Daycares: Contact them beforehand to see if they accept book donations and what types of books they need.
• Street Libraries: These little community bookcases are perfect for swapping or donating books. Check out https://streetlibrary.org.au/ to find one near you.
• Libraries: Not all libraries accept book donations, so it’s best to call and inquire first.
• Medical Offices and Retirement Homes: Consider donating magazines to medical offices for waiting rooms, and contact retirement homes to see if they’d like books.

Online Options and Second-hand Stores:

• GIVIT: A convenient online platform that connects you directly with charities requesting specific items like books. Check current requests from Melbourne charities and donate exactly what’s needed.
• Freecycle: This online platform allows you to list unwanted items for free, though activity may vary by location.
• Buy Nothing / Swap Groups: Search for local Facebook groups dedicated to gifting and swapping unwanted items.
• Second-hand Bookstores: Many stores accept book donations, often focusing on rare or unique ones. Use Ecosia (an eco-friendly search engine) to find “second-hand bookstores” near you.
• Charity Shops: Major charity stores, such as the Salvation Army, Red Cross, Vinnies, Lifeline, Save the Children, and Sacred Heart Mission, typically accept book donations in Melbourne.

Other Alternatives:

• Women’s Shelters and Prisons: Contact your local shelter or prison to see if they accept book donations.
• Free “Take a Book” Box: Create a free box at your home or near a park filled with books for anyone to take. Make sure to place it somewhere protected from rain.

Remember, a little research goes a long way in finding the perfect new home for your pre-loved books!

Book Donation in Melbourne Tips

Donating books to a library can be a great gift and a way to connect with colleagues. It can change how you view your library. But it’s not just about getting rid of unwanted books.

Give Books That Are Relevant and in Good Condition

Donating books in Melbourne to libraries isn’t about getting rid of old books. Avoid donating books in Melbourne that are outdated, worn, or superseded. Choose books that match the library users’ language, reading level, and information needs. Your book donations should appeal to local readers and encourage them to visit the library.

Find Out What Books the Library Is Looking For

The best way to help is to ask the library what they need. This shows genuine interest and helps build a partnership. A two-way relationship will lead to better results for both sides.

Ensure a Smooth Donation Process

The biggest challenge to donating books in Melbourne is getting them there. If you’re donating books from overseas, Australia has no organisation that helps with this. The donor is responsible for the cost and logistics of shipping the books. You also need a contact in the destination country to clear customs, pay fees, and ship the books to the final location. This is required in all countries, including Australia.

Collaborate With Other Organisations

Building relationships with people who can help you achieve your goals is valuable. Australian or international groups with knowledge of the language, political situation, and a good track record in the country can be especially helpful. Some NGOs and charities have networks for shipping materials and might be worth contacting.

Maintain Communication

Don’t just donate and forget about it. Follow up with more book donations or, even better, visit them in person. They might need something else like advice, training, old computers, shelving, or conservation supplies. You could even volunteer. Get to know your colleagues, wherever they are.

The Benefits of Book Donations in Melbourne

Melbourne, the cultural capital of Australia, thrives on knowledge and creativity. With a vibrant literary scene and a strong commitment to education, there are countless opportunities to donate books and positively impact your community.

Here are a few reasons why you should consider donating books in Melbourne:

• Supporting local libraries: Public libraries are essential community resources that provide free access to books, information, and educational programs. By donating books, you’re helping to ensure that these valuable institutions can continue to serve the community’s needs.
• Promoting literacy: Literacy is a fundamental human right, and donating books can help to promote reading and learning, especially among disadvantaged individuals and children.
• Reducing waste: Books no longer needed can end up in landfills, contributing to environmental pollution. By donating books, you’re helping to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
• Connecting with your community: Donating books is a great way to get involved in your community and make a positive difference. It’s also a rewarding experience that can bring a sense of satisfaction and fulfilment.

Donating books in Melbourne can help create a more literate, sustainable, and equitable community. So why not declutter your bookshelf and make a difference today?

Other Ways to Dispose of Books Besides Donation

If you’re looking for alternatives to donating your books, here are a few options:

Sell Your Books

Online marketplaces: Platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Bookfinder.com allow you to sell your books directly to buyers.

• Local bookstores: Some buy used books, especially if they’re in good condition and in demand.

Book Swap Events

Local libraries or community centres often host book swap events where you can exchange your books for others.

Give Books as Gifts

Share your love of reading with friends, family, or neighbours by giving them books as gifts.

Start a Little Free Library

Set up a small outdoor bookshelf in your neighbourhood where people can take and leave books freely.

Recycle or Compost

Check with your local recycling facility to see if they accept books. If they’re made from paper or cardboard, some books can also be recycled or composted.

Remember: When disposing of books, consider their condition and the potential value they might have.

Donate Books Cheap with North Removals

Donating books in Melbourne is a great way to declutter but can also be time-consuming. Finding the right charity and coordinating pickups can be challenging, especially since many charities have limited resources. To make it easier and more affordable, take advantage of our Way Cheaper Wednesdays—move on a Wednesday and get 15% off with cheap removalists Melbourne who care. 

Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of helping clients who, during their moves, discovered whole libraries in their homes they no longer needed. One family I moved from Carlton had dozens of children’s books their kids had outgrown. Using our service of man with a van (as the books can be handle by one person) we dropped them off at a community book bin along the way, and seeing the kids excited to pass them on was a real highlight of the day. Moments like that remind me that moving is about more than just boxes—it’s about fresh starts and small acts of kindness.

Whether you are moving your office and need to declutter or just need more space in your storage because you are moving locally, North Removals is here to help. Get in touch today and let’s make your move (and your book donation Melbourne mission) smooth, affordable, and stress-free. We are the best rated removalist in Melbourne and we’d love to be part of your next big chapter.