Book Donation Information

How do I donate books to WCDPL? The Library (Bowling Green and Walbridge) greatly appreciates donated materials.

WCDPL is unable to accept donated materials due to the loss of local book recycling, lack of storage space at the library, and materials handling issues due to the Coronavirus. 

If our ability to accept donations changes, we will post that information on the library webpage.

When we are able to accept donated materials, your donation goes to our Friends of the Library book sale where the funds raised enhance our collections, programs, and services at both locations.

Donated items should be brought to the library in boxes that the library can keep (not in containers that need to be returned).  However, boxes moved directly from a storage unit, garage, or another place where mice or insects may have gotten into the boxes cannot be accepted.

If you would like a receipt for your donations, please ask a staff member. Library staff is not able to determine the value of your donation, but they can confirm the number and type of items you donated.

What we accept and can use:

• Hardcover and paperback books in VERY GOOD CONDITION published within the last 3-5 years. 
• We accept commercially published music CDs or DVDs that are in good playing condition.
• We accept GENTLY used children's books.

Items we cannot use:

• We cannot accept damaged books that have broken bindings, missing pages, yellowed or soiled pages, or that smell of smoke, mildew, or animal waste.
• Clearly outdated materials including, but not limited to: travel, legal, tax, medical, health books more than 4 years old
• Toys, games, or artwork
• Used coloring books
• Magazines, including National Geographic
• Textbooks
• Videocassettes or audiocassettes
• Workbooks or study guides with missing pages or that are partially or wholly filled in
• Computer programs
• Encyclopedias

Where can I  donate books in Wood County, if not the library? The table below (also attached as a downloadable PDF) provides a list of Wood County organizations which will or will not accept your donations of books. It is always a good idea to call ahead in case an organization's policy has changed.