Donating books is more fun than packing them
I got an e-mail from a friend recently with a book problem. More specifically, she has too many and doesn't want to schlep them up to New York City when she moves this summer. "I think you should blog about how to sell or donate books in Baltimore, because I am finding it difficult to find an easy process," she writes.
Luckily for her -- and you -- there are plenty of places that want your books. Here's a brief, and I'm sure incomplete, list:
The Book Thing states its mission statement on nearly every page of their site: to put "unwanted books into the hands of those who want them." The operation on Vineyard Lane in Baltimore fills a warehouse with books. To donate, all you have to do is show up and toss them (gently) into the bin. Then you can spend the hour browsing for new ones. Although I guess that defeats the purpose of downsizing in the first place...
According to their Web site, Baltimore Reads has donated more than 1 million new and used books to disadvantaged families since 1992. And their drop-off spot is pretty easy to find, on the side of The Sun's building on North Calvert Street. But you do have to make an appointment ahead of time, so it will take a little more forethought on your part to donate.
But what if you have A LOT of books to get rid of? For instance, let's say you're a publisher with an excess in inventory. The International Book Bank wants it! The IBB has been in Baltimore since 1990, sending donated books to developing countries to promote literacy everywhere.
All of these organizations accept money and volunteers, as well. Of course, if you're looking to exchange your books for some cash, instead of just that feel-good moment, there are stores in the area, including Normals, which I profiled earlier, that will take them off your hands.
So go out there and get rid of that copy of He's Just Not That Into You or the obscure Russian novel you received that you know you'll never read. Someone out there may actually need them.
While she always preferred The Hardy Boys to Nancy Drew, 
Comments
Of course, if you just want to "refresh" your supply of books you should check out www.paperbackswap.com. You can swap books with other readers across the country so you always have new books to read.
They had a booth at the Baltimore Book Festival last year, and I expect they will this year as well.
Posted by: Heather | June 11, 2008 9:04 AM
Baltimore Reads is also a good place to find books if you are a teacher and need books for your classroom library. They have a limit of how many you can take (I think it is 50) but you can return again during the school year to get more books. You still have to make an appointment to go there. Otherwise you may find yourself knocking on the door and no one answering....
Posted by: Dawn | June 11, 2008 11:21 AM
Good idea. I completely agree with the last post.
Posted by: mcj | September 5, 2008 9:10 AM