Donating Books to the Library

People often ask if we take book donations at the Andover Public Library. Indeed, we do! Here is everything you need to know about donating books.

• The library accepts any fiction or nonfiction book in good condition except for encyclopedias and outdated text books. 
• The library accepts other items as well: DVDs, VHS tapes, audiobooks on CD or cassette, cake pans, and puzzles (provided all the pieces are present). 
• Magazine donations are not accepted; however, magazines that are no more than one year old can be placed on our magazine exchange rack in the lobby. Patrons can exchange up to ten at one time.
• Book donations are accepted year-round. Books to be donated must be brought inside the library during library hours. 
• Individual books that are placed in our curb-side Book Return are always assumed to be lost, rather than donated. These books are placed in our lost and found for thirty days. Please do not place books that you truly wish to donate in the curb-side Book Return as this makes more work for the library staff.
• Boxes of books left outside the library are immediately recycled. Please do not leave books outside the library.
• The library can provide carts and dollies if your boxes are heavy but we do not have staff available to help you unload your items.
• Donated books are often used to replace worn copies or missing titles on library shelves. This is most common with new books, popular authors in hardcover, and children's books. The library cannot guarantee that any donated book will be added to the collection or made available for circulation in the library.
• The majority of books donated to the library are not put on library shelves for circulation. They instead go toward the Friends of the Library used book sale. The sale takes place twice a year and is open to the public. Money raised by the Friends of the Library is used to sponsor programs and events in the library throughout the year.
• Patrons can request a tax receipt for their donated books. The receipt will not list a monetary value for the donation but will instead say something like "Three boxes of books, donated." Patrons also have the option of counting the books before they are donated and getting a more specific receipt (i.e. "20 hardcovers and 10 paperbacks, donated"); simply give the number to the librarian writing your receipt. 

We at the Andover Public Library believe that our library is one of the finest libraries out there, but it is only through the generosity of our patrons and our community that we are able to thrive and grow. We thank you for your donations.