Donating Used Books & Other Materials to WCL

Washington County Library accepts donations of books and other materials (CDs DVDs, video cassettes, audio tapes, etc.) Some items may be added to library collections. Many of the items are offered for sale, either at the Library's ongoing book sales, or at special books sales held throughout the year.

• Bring donations to a branch library during open hours. If you need a receipt for tax purposes, library personnel will provide a receipt (you assign a value to your contribution).
• The library does not need: books with mildew, torn pages, handwriting or highlighting, phonograph records, magazines, Reader's Digest Condensed books, textbooks.

These are general guidelines for donations. If you have questions about whether the library can accept materials you wish to donate, call any Washington County Branch Library location.

In addition, the following organizations accept donations of new and used books and other media; call ahead for information:

Stone Soup Thrift Shop
950 3rd Street, St. Paul Park, MN  55071
(651) 458-9786
Books, CDs, videos are accepted.

Books for Africa
253 East 4th Street, St. Paul, MN
651-602-9844
The majority of the books sent to Africa by BFA are hardcover textbooks, primary through college level. All subjects are accepted EXCEPT American History/Civics, music and foreign language books (Spanish, French, German, etc.). BFA also accepts hardcover books appropriate for a school library. Go to their website for more complete information about items that can be accepted and drop-off information.

Goodwill  Many locations in the Metro area. Find Goodwill on the web at http://www.goodwill.org/, with a locator for a store near you and information about donating. Goodwill says: "DO NOT WANT old encyclopedia sets. Accept books and other media, but NOT ripped or torn items."

Salvation Army Many Metro locations; go online at http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf to find out about donating to the Salvation Army. Accept most books and other media; DO NOT WANT old encyclopedias or other reference books with outdated information.

Gifts Operation of the University of Minnesota Libraries (612-624-9064) Accepts donations of monographs (books) and periodicals (journals, magazines) to enrich its library resources. They ask you to call 612-624-9064 to make arrangements before bringing donations.  For more information: http://wilson.lib.umn.edu/gifts.phtml.

Buy back – several stores will buy your used books and other media materials:

Cheapo  Buy CDs, DVDs & Games. 

The Book Corner
783 Radio Drive, Suite 115, Woodbury, MN 
651-730-0661
Customers who bring in items (books and audio books) receive a credit that is good for purchasing other items in the store.

CD Warehouse/Disc Go Round
1900 E County Rd D, Maplewood, MN 
651-748-0999 
Buy used CDs, DVDs, video games, and VHS tapes.

Half-Price Bookstores  Buy used books, movies, music, games and more. Several Metro locations.

Maplewood Store: 1731 Beam Ave., Maplewood, MN (651 773-0631)

St. Paul Store:  2041 Ford Pwky, St. Paul, MN (651 699-1391)

Hi-Score Video,

Media Exchange 123,

DISPOSAL OF OTHER MEDIA ITEMS
What about other media items, like cassette tapes, VCR tapes, CDs, floppy disks, and MORE -- if they can't be reused? They should be placed in the trash.