Book and Media Donations

Both stores are now accepting donations! Donations will generally be accepted during the stores’ open hours, but please call ahead to be sure that we have space available.
Central: Mon 12-4, Tues – Sat 10-4;   phone: 510-981-6211
Channing: Tues – Sat 10-4;   phone: 510-841-5604 

The Central Bookstore is CLOSED on all Library holidays. Holidays are listed on the Library website.

Please check that all donated materials are of GOOD QUALITY and in GOOD CONDITION. CDs, DVDs (NTSC format and Region 1) and LPs must be in their original cases/covers. With our limited space, we will have to turn away materials we cannot sell. Remember to call ahead to be sure there is space available to receive your donation: 510-841-5604. First hour of parking is FREE in the Telegraph-Channing Garage, and we have hand trucks available for your use. We are grateful to our community for donations of quality items.

The Bookstores cheerfully accept:
  • Paperback and hardback books in good condition.
  • Media in good condition: DVDs that are playable in the U.S. (NTSC format, Region 1), CDs, LPs.
  • Current textbooks (generally no more than 3-years old); if older, must be of collectible/vintage nature.
  • Maps, pamphlets, and other ephemera.
  • Clean paper shopping bags.
The Bookstores cannot accept:
  • Mildewed, moldy, smelly, water-damaged, or badly-worn items
  • Books with extensive underlining or torn-off covers
  • Outdated, tattered, textbooks over 3 years old, unless collectible/vintage
  • Computer, medical, legal, health, travel, or business books more than 3 years old
  • Magazines, catalogs or directories
  • Audiobooks on cassette, CD or tape
  • Encyclopedias, older older dictionaries, Reader’s Digest Books, Advance Readers Copies, Time-Life Books, romances, or incomplete sets of older books
  • Computer software
  • Board games (Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit, etc.)
  • Video tapes (VHS), music cassettes, or home-recorded media
  • Large donations of foreign language books (please call for details)
Just a reminder:
  • We run a used bookstore, selling used books at ridiculously low prices.
  • We are not running a thrift store or a recycling site.
  • We gratefully welcome donations of your re-sellable books.
Book donations:
  • Larger donations should be in bags or boxes.
  • We issue donation receipts for tax purposes at the time of delivery. Donors are responsible for placing a value on noncash goods.
  • If you need assistance, contact the store directly in advance of your visit: Channing Bookstore: 510-841-5604. Talk to a volunteer or leave a message.