We build our children's libraries with gusto, putting aside the thought that they will someday outgrow Goodnight Moon and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. But, alas, a day comes when board books and short stories do not suffice, and it is time to figure out what to do with all those treasured stories.
In our community, there are a variety of ways to donate gently-used children's books – and CDs and cassettes – that benefit a good cause. The items should be in good, clean condition so that they can be resold. Here are a few ideas on ways to give your beloved books a worthy, new home.
Public Library Book Sales
Support your local library by donating books and other items to be sold at community book sales, which benefit a multitude of library services.
The Seattle Public Library: Many families stock up on kids' books at the twice-annual book sale put on by the Friends of the Seattle Public Library. Books, posters, audio books, CDs and more are accepted as donations. Drop off books at 2025 9th Ave. Seattle (donation details here); up to three boxes of books may be donated to your neighborhood library branch. 206-682-7567; www.friendsofspl.org.
King County Library System: Ongoing book sale carts at King County Library System branches help benefit library programs and services. However, each library has its own approach to book donations, so it's best to ask your neighborhood branch about their specific policy. 425-369-3200; www.kcls.org.
Nonprofit Children's Organizations
There are several nonprofits in the area that do exceptional work for homeless and foster children and struggling families. The organizations listed here appreciate book donations.
Ryther Child Center: Books for children ages 6 to 12 are accepted at the Ryther Child Center, located at 2400 N.E. 95th St. in Seattle. Ryther provides care and assistance for youth and families experiencing (or at risk for) neglect, mental illness or abuse. 206-525-5050; www.ryther.org/donate.
Seattle's Union Gospel Mission: Donated books are taken to Hope Place, a women's and children's shelter, or Youth Services, which offers after-school tutoring and child care in Burien, White Center, Bellevue and Seattle. Drop-off information can be found on the website. 206-723-0767; www.ugm.org/site/PageServer?pagename=waystogive_giftsinkind.
Treehouse: A support organization for foster children, Treehouse accepts gently-used books. Deliver them to the loading dock at the back of the building, located at 2100 24th Ave. S. in Seattle. 206-767-7000; www.treehouseforkids.org/donate/.
Wellspring Family Services: Books are needed at the Baby Boutique (1900 Rainier Ave. S. in Seattle), which provides free items to homeless families. 206-826-3050; wellspringfs.org/get-involved/ways-give.
Baby Corners
Volunteers at Baby Corner put together clothing packages for children in need, and many come with a book. Deliver your used books to the Baby Corner nearest you.
Eastside Baby Corner: 1510 N.W. Maple St., Issaquah. 425-865-0234; www.babycorner.org.
Northshore Baby Corner: Bothell United Methodist Church, 18515 92nd Ave. N.E.www.babycorner.org.
WestSide Baby: Various donation sites throughout the King County area . 206-767-1662; www.westsidebaby.org.
Thrift Stores
Local Goodwill, St. Vincent de Paul and Seattle Children's Hospital thrift stores are good places for book and music donations. Proceeds go to commendable causes in the community and each has locations throughout the region.
Goodwill: Goodwill stores accept books, CDs, records and cassette tapes. Net proceeds from the sales are used to fund free job training and education programs. 206-329-1000; www.seattlegoodwill.org/donate/donate-items.
Seattle Children's Thrift Stores: Call ahead of time to verify what your neighborhood store can take. All proceeds benefit Seattle Children's Hospital. 206-448-1233; www.seattlechildrens.org/ways-to-help/shopping/locations/.
St. Vincent de Paul: St. Vincent de Paul stores accept books, CDs, records, cassettes and videos. Proceeds help needy families with food and rent assistance and new school clothes. 206-767-9975; svdpseattle.org/goods-clothing-donations/.
Bargain Boutiques: With five locations around the Seattle area, Bargain Boutique's is a great place to donate clothes, books, and even furniture! 100% of Bargain Boutiques profits go straight to Seattle Children's Hospitals. Click here to see a donation guide of what they are and are not able to accept.
Little Free Library
With a mission of promoting literacy and a love of reading, these libraries take the form in dozens of outdoor sites across the king county area. Found in parks, schools and even on street corners, these pop up libraries come in the form of tiny boxes resembling large birdhouses with the philosophy of take a book leave a book. The best part of these spaces? You can take and leave books for yourself as well as your tots! To find a Little Free Library close to you visit littlefreelibrary.org/ourmap/.
The Big Blue Bins
Doubtless you've seen one of the big blue charity bins around town. The bins are serviced by Discover Books, a nonprofit which sends donated books, CDs and DVDs to school libraries and after-school programs in low-income populations across the country, or overseas to libraries in developing countries. About a quarter of the books received are sold to help offset the costs of the program. The upside: It is super convenient for drop off. The downside: The books might not benefit your immediate community.
Page Ahead
OK, so they don't take used books, but they're definitely worthy of our mention. Next time you are purchasing books for your kids, pick up a few extra for Page Ahead, a nonprofit that works with schools, social service agencies and early childhood centers around the state to get new books into the hands of at-risk children. 206-461-0123; www.pageahead.org.
