Donating books like encyclopedia sets is a way to help others and get rid of that huge set that’s taking up extra space. There are many options about where to donate books, but some options are only available for entertainment books or very specific types of books. Encyclopedia sets are meant to help others gain knowledge about a large variety of subjects, so there are fewer options for donating these books than there are for donating old novels.
Give the entire set to Books for Africa. This charitable organization takes donations of books, especially encyclopedias and other knowledge-building books, and gives them to schools and libraries in Africa to help children gain an education.
Books For Africa 253 East 4th Street Suite 200 St. Paul, MN 55101 booksforafrica.org
Donate the set to a local library. Even if the library does not need the encyclopedia set, it often will take donations and use those donations by selling them to raise money for the library. This is one of the ways libraries raise funds to hire employees, buy the latest books or fund special programs.
Give the encyclopedia set to a local shelter. Some shelters will not take donations of books, but many do welcome books. Shelters that are geared toward helping children and that have educational standards will often accept donations of encyclopedias.
Donate the encyclopedia set to Goodwill or The Salvation Army. They take donations of all kinds, including books and even encyclopedia sets. Donations can be given directly at a nearby store, usually during specific hours and in the back of the store, or can be given by contacting your nearest Salvation Army or Goodwill and having them pick up the donation.
