Material Donation Guidelines

What to Donate:
Because of the high cost of handling donated items, the Library is very selective in accepting donations.
If you have books or other materials that you would like to donate to the Library, please observe the following guidelines: 

• Items must be in “gift worthy” condition, free of odor, mold and infestation.
• The Library cannot accept the following:
  - Magazines
  -Textbooks
  -Videocassettes, audiocassettes or records
  -Non-fiction books more than 5 years old

How to Donate:
All donations must be arranged in advance.  Do not drop anything off without calling first.

• Call 630-279-8696 and ask for the 2nd Floor Information Desk.  The librarian will ask for a description of the material you would like to donate.
• Drop off hours are Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm or Sat. 9 am-1pm.
• Bring your donation in boxes or bags, which will not be returned.
• Ring the bell at the Receiving entrance and tell the operator that you have a donation.
• A staff member will take your donation for evaluation.
• You will be mailed a receipt for items that the Library can use.
• Materials that are not accepted will be recycled. They will not be returned.

Other Options

Donate to other organizations:
Book Rescue
“For all donations please call ahead.”  630-545-9710
To recycle damaged or older hard back books, they ask for a $5 donation per box.
http://www.bookrescue.org/

Find drop off centers
http://www.aauw-il.org/elmhurst/    
http://www.betterworldbooks.com
http://www.readingtree.org/
http://www.bookcrossing.com/

For people in the military
http://www.booksforsoldiers.com/
http://www.operationpaperback.org/

Sell your books or determine their value:
eBay – Sell your books on eBay!  The Elmhurst Public Library has information on eBay selling.
http://books.shop.ebay.com/

Alibris – Use Alibris to discover the value of your books:  http://www.alibris.com/

Check  the Phone Book under “Book Dealers – Used & Rare” for places to buy or trade used books. 

Recycle:
In Elmhurst, paperback books can be recycled at the curb.  Hardbacks cannot be recycled unless the covers are removed.  Books, magazines and newspapers should be placed in a paper bag or cardboard box on top or next to recycling bin - NOT co-mingled.  No plastic bags may be used.

Download the Material Donation Guidelines as a printable PDF brochure