Donation Policy
What does the library do with donations?
Most items are given to the Friends of the Library and sold. Proceeds are donated back to the library.
If you don’t add my books to the collection, can I get them back?
Materials donated to the library must be unconditional, and are not returned.
What can I do with items the library doesn’t accept?
Most thrift stores accept books and other materials as donations or you may decide to recycle paperback books, magazines, and other materials at a Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA) Recycling
Drop-off Center:
dswa.com/programs_dropoff
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9:00am to 4:00pm
Citizen’s Response Line: (800)404-7080
The following local organizations also accept books:
Good Samaritan Aid Thrift Shop
115 W Market St
Laurel, DE 19956-1001
(302) 875-2425
Curiosity Shop
1100 Middleford Road
Seaford, DE 19973
(302) 629-2650
siofseaford.org/curiosity-shop
Goodwill Salisbury Store
(no encyclopedias, reference or textbooks)
700 S Salisbury Blvd
Salisbury, MD
(410) 219-9072
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware
bbbsde.org/news/empty-your-closets-helpdelaware-kids
(302) 856-2918
The Library Accepts:
New or Gently Used Hardcover and Paperback Books.
The Library accepts books published in the last ten years in GOOD to Excellent condition. Quality older books/years may be accepted with Director’s approval.
Paperbacks must not be yellowed or have cracked spines, and must have covers. Hardbacks should have jacket covers. CDS AND DVD’s in excellent condition will be accepted if they are in original packaging.
The Library CANNOT Use:
- Cassette tapes
- VHS tapes
- Vinyl records
- Magazines
- Encyclopedias and Reference sets
- Reader’s Digest condensed books
- Black-box or un-boxed DVDs or CDs
- Scratched or worn media
- Damaged, musty or moldy materials
- Textbooks
- Any materials with highlighting or handwriting (except author signed books)
- Artifacts – We cannot accept gifts of artwork, equipment, furniture, etc. except under special circumstances and with the Director’s approval.
More than 5 Boxes or Bags:
If you have a large amount to donate, please contact the library at (302) 875-3184. A librarian will let you know if the library is able to accept your materials and arrange a convenient time for your drop-off
