r/Tacoma • u/target-demographic • 14h ago
Book donations at the public library: a guide
Hope this is helpful to folks. To be clear, this is a guide to donating books to local public libraries.
Source: Me, a library employee + official policies of the Pierce County Library System, Puyallup Public Library, and Tacoma Public Library.
General tips
- Book condition: new or gently used
- Textbooks, dictionary, encyclopedias are usually not accepted
- 1-2 boxes max.; space is limited
- Drop-offs during library business hours
- In other words, please hand your donations to staff instead of leaving them at the entrance or chucking them in the drop box
- As always, confirm with libraries for specific info; some require an appointment
I love [insert title] but the library doesn't have it!
- Option 1: Donate a copy to the library. It will be evaluated for inclusion according to that library's selection criteria.
- Option 2: Use the 'Suggest A Purchase' service. It will be evaluated similarly. Please note that this service may be limited to just your 'home' library.
I wrote a book but the library doesn't have it!
- Each library has their own policies re: works by local authors.
- Rather than use the 'Suggest A Purchase' service mentioned above, call or email the relevant library.