- Laura Bliss Morris
- Tuesday, July 07, 2020
Whether you're finally getting through your TBR pile or you've gone on the ultimate COVID cleaning spree, you may have found yourself wondering what to do with extra books while in the midst of a pandemic.
And while you used to be able to simply drop a bag of old children's books, mysteries or bestsellers off at the library for the Friends and Foundation Book Sales, now you've got to be a little more creative.
While our libraries are focused on safely getting our physical materials in the hands of customers, we've temporarily taken a step back from accepting community donations on behalf of the Richland Library Friends and Foundation.
But, that doesn't mean there aren't some really great community organizations out there that have the capacity to safely process your book donations right now. So, please continue to #GiveFreely.
Update: Please call ahead and check with these organizations to make sure they aren't at capacity for book donations that week.
Community Book Donation Sites
Transitions Homeless Center:
2025 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201.
Phone: 803.708.4861
People can drop off books anytime, though tax receipts are only given out Monday - Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. They are looking for popular adult reads—bestsellers, mysteries, romance, religious, biographies, etc. as well as some easier adult reads.
They prefer not to accept cook books, college text books, engineering, etc.
Transitions Is the Midlands Largest Homeless Center providing homeless men and women ages 18 and older access to a day center, hot meals, showers, service providers and housing. Clients receive services to help them to stabilize their lives, increase their income, and secure permanent housing.
South Carolina Department of Corrections:
4444 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC
SCDC’s campaign to collect 20,000 books for inmates across SC culminates in a book drop off on July 10 from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. at SCDC HQ, 4444 Broad River Road, Cola.
They cannot accept books that glorify violence, crime or sex but donations of young adult and books for early readers are strongly encouraged.
The SCDOC's Division of Programs, Reentry and Rehabilitative Services provides numerous opportunites to assist inmates in all facets of rehabilitation. Inmates can learn new job skills, obtain their GED, earn vocational certificates, receive substance abuse treatment, learn about how crimes affect victims and even assist in teaching youths about life in prison.
The Salvation Army Family Store:
1341 Dutch Fork Rd, Irmo, SC 29063
Phone: (803) 403-1372
Monday – Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday - 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Call 803-748-9964 to schedule a pick-up!
The Salvation Army’s Family Store program offers an opportunity to those moving from homelessness, or those who are suffering from the results of natural disasters or other disabling circumstances, to meet their material needs. Shoppers can purchase merchandise in good condition for reasonable prices. Income generated by the Family Store supports Salvation Army programs for the homeless and families living in poverty.
National Kidney Foundation Serving the Carolinas:
508 Hampton Street, Suite 200, Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803.799.3870
The National Kidney Foundation will actually come pick up your donation. Just give them a call at 803.799.3870.
National Kidney Foundation is a lifeline for people affected by kidney disease. As pioneers of scientific research and innovation, NKF focuses on the whole patient through the lens of kidney health. Relentless in our work, we enhance lives through action, education and accelerating change.
Goodwill:
4221 Hardscrabble Road, Columbia, SC 29229.
Phone: 803-532-9497
Any local Goodwill can receive book donations but the primary donation center is located at 4221 Hardscrabble Road, Columbia, SC 29229.
Goodwill works to enhance people’s dignity and quality of life by strengthening their communities, eliminating their barriers to opportunity, and helping them reach their full potential through learning and the power of work.When you donate your new and gently used items, local Goodwill organizations sell them in stores or on shopgoodwill.com and use the revenue generated to provide valuable employment training and job placement services for people in your community.
Only have a couple of items to donate? Check your neighborhood for a Little Free Library. There are numerous Little Free Libraries located throughout Richland County.
Read their COVID safety practices, here.