Book Donations
Do you have books to donate and are not sure where to go? Below are a list of resources in the Greater Edmonton Area and beyond who are known to take book donations.
Each entry contains information about the organization, preferred book types, and contact information.
Please note that this list is by no means exhaustive and will be updated semi-annually; please email gelaedmonton@gmail.com if you have suggestions for new resources, or if a resource is no longer accepting book donations.
Edmonton and Area
Ben Calf Robe Society (12046 77 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5B 4G9, Canada)
The Ben Calf Robe Society provides children and families with access to holistic education, supportive services, and programs of high quality and cultural relevance. As the needs for books vary, it is best to contact the Society directly to enquire about what types of books are needed. To contact the Ben Calf Robe Society, visit: http://bcrsociety.ab.ca/contact-us/.
Bissell Centre (Multiple Locations)
A non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating poverty in the community. Gently used books can be donated and will either be given to those in need or sold and the money raised usd to help those in need. There are three donation drop-off locations; for more information, visit: https://bissellcentre.org/get-involved/in-kind-donations/.
City of Edmonton Reuse Directory (Mutliple Locations)
This comprehensive guide provides users with a list of organizations able to accept books and magazines; please note that most organizations will not be able to accept Textbooks or Encyclopedias. For more information, visit: https://www.edmonton.ca/programs_services/garbage_waste/reuse-directory.aspx.
Homeless Connect (Multiple Locations)
Produced by the Homeward Trust, Homeless Connect is a twice-yearly event that connects homeless and vulnerable individuals with necessary services and supplies. Books that are in high demand include popular fiction and Westerns. For more information about donation locations, visit: http://www.homelessconnectyeg.com/support/.
Edmonton Public Library (Multiple Locations)
The public library system for the city of Edmonton, EPL accepts donations of gently-used books, CDs, DVDs, Recent videogames, comic books/graphic novels, and recent textbooks/study guides (published within the last four years). Items can be donated at any branch, but it is recommended that you call ahead to ensure that there is enough space. Items donated are often made a part of their book sales, which benefit programs such as Books for Baby. For more information about how to donate, visit: https://www.epl.ca/donate-materials/.
Strathcona County Public Library (Multiple Locations)
Strathcona County’s Library System collects small donations (up to a bag- or box-full) of donations regularly throughout the year; eligible items include popular fiction, recently published books, and books in good condition. They cannot accept textbooks, magazines, or books in poor condition. For more information, visit:
http://www.sclibrary.ab.ca/aboutdonations.htm.
Terra Centre (9930 106 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 1C7)
A non-profit organization providing pregnant & parenting teens with options, support, and resources, the Terra Centre seeks donations of gently-used children’s books. For more information, visit: https://terracentre.ca/get-involved/in-kind-donations/.
University of Alberta Libraries – Donations
Do you have rare books, prints, archival material, or unique materials that support teaching and research? The University of Alberta accepts these types of materials on a case-by-case basis. Donations may be eligible for tax receipts. For more information or to contact the University of Alberta Libraries, visit: https://www.library.ualberta.ca/about-us/donations/.
Red Deer
Friends of the Red Deer Public Library (Various Locations)
Friends of the Red Deer Public Library is a volunteer-run initiative that accepts donations of good quality books and current magazines. Books can be dropped off at any Red Deer Public Library branch and donated items are included in fundraising book sales. Visit https://www.rdpl.org/about/friends for more information about donations.
Calgary
Books Between Friends (14, 3434 – 34 Avenue NE, Calgary, Alberta)
Books between Friends accepts donations of books in good condition and allows various charitable groups to facilitate weekend book sales in order to fundraise. Donations are accepted during the week. For more information, visit: http://www.booksbetweenfriends.com.
International or Online
Better World Books accepts books internationally; materials accepted may go to areas in need, while others may be sold and profits used to benefit communities in need. Better World Books offers free shipping of the materials, you need only pack them in the provided containers – this is ideal if you have a large volume of donations. For more about accepted materials, visit: http://www.betterworldbooks.com/go/donatebooks.
Interested in sharing your books with the world. Book Crossing allows you to label your books with a Book Crossing ID, share them by giving them away or through other means, and tracking where they go! For more information, visit: https://www.bookcrossing.com/.
Greater Edmonton Library Association 