Where to Donate Books in Melbourne

Deciding you don’t need all your books is easy, but figuring out what to do with them ethically and responsibly is a different story.

Luckily, many places in Melbourne would love your gently used books. We’ve created a list of these places for you and information on how and when to donate.

So, if you’re ready to declutter and help others simultaneously check out our guide to book donation in Melbourne and find out where to donate books in Melbourne.

Related: Donate Furniture Melbourne

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:

Brotherhood Books

• They accept Drop-offs
• They accept Magazines, textbooks, encyclopaedias, dictionaries/thesauri
• Website: See all their Melbourne locations here

How to Donate Books

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

Greater Dandenong Libraries

• They accept Drop off
• They accept textbooks, political or religious material
• 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’re looking for book donations to support education and are happy to accept any books in good condition.

The New International Bookshop

• They accept Drop offs
• Website: The New International Bookshop

How to Donate Books

The New International Bookshop has specific requests for books, such as those on LGBTQ issues, philosophy, and comics. Check their list to see if your books fit. This could be a great place to donate books that are niche.

Babel Books

• They accept Pick-up (Free pick-up for books in English is on hold)
• English, French and Spanish books
• Website: Babel Books

How to Donate Books

If you want to donate books in Melbourne, they’ll happily take them. Leave your contact information, and they’ll reply within 24 hours.

How They Help

BabelBooks was created to offer affordable, multi-language books to Australians. They sell donated books to promote a circular economy and believe reading shouldn’t be expensive. Buying pre-loved books reduces your carbon footprint and supports Magabala Books, an Indigenous publisher.

Preloved Book Shop

• They accept Drop off
• 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 the quality and content of your books. Send them a message through their contact form, and they’ll tell you how to send photos of the books.

How They Help

Preloved Book Shop thanks you for your book donations. Donating books to second-hand stores like theirs has many benefits. Your books will find new readers and homes, helping the environment and building a community of book lovers.

Embrace Education

• Pick up from you
• They accept VCE study guides, textbooks no older than three years, stationery
• Website: Embrace Education

How to Donate Books

This is a great option if you have used textbooks or study guides and want to donate. These types of books can be hard to resell. Email them the details of your books, and they’ll let you know if they can pick them up from your place.

How They Help

Your donated textbooks will help Embrace Education support disadvantaged high school students in Melbourne, especially migrants, asylum seekers, or refugees. These books will be used in their programs, such as homework clubs and tutoring.

Reading Out of Poverty

• You can drop off your books at the 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.
• Website: For more information, visit the ROOP website.

How to Donate Books

You can donate your children’s books by dropping them off at their warehouse or office during regular business hours.

How They Help

This charity provides books and educational materials to poor communities, mainly in Victoria. It has recently expanded to North Queensland, ACT, and NSW. It has donated over 450,000 books and is committed to improving the literacy of all children it helps, regardless of their circumstances.

The charity also works closely with communities to hold “read aloud” sessions and has established 320 pop-up libraries.

123 Read 2 Me

• Drop off in book bin
• Children’s books in good condition
• Website: See all book bin locations on their site

How to Donate Books

Book bins are located in various locations, often near or outside Coles stores. Check the link above for a complete list.

How They Help

Understanding the importance of early literacy, this charity provides books to support programs like maternal health centres and schools in Melbourne. Thanks to its partnership with Lions International, it has donated over 900,000 children’s books since 2016.

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:

• Freecycle: This online platform allows you to list unwanted items for free, though activity may vary by location. (https://www.freecycle.org/town/CentralSydneyAU)
• 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.

Focus on Your Move 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.

It’s also important to be mindful of what you bring into your home. Too much stuff can quickly become clutter and create more work for you in the future.

Once you’ve finished donating books in Melbourne, it’s time to focus on your move. North Removals is here to assist if you need help packing, moving office, or transporting your belongings locally or interstate. As one of Melbourne’s top-rated moving companies, we offer a friendly, reliable, and efficient service.