I would check libraries. They have to get rid of books all the time as they get old or run out of room for things that are more wanted currently. When book from a popular series comes out or if it becomes popular they get a bunch of copies. Like sometimes as many as a dozen (back in the day at least when physical books were the main thing) but then once most of their patrons have read it and its not as big in demand they drop down to half a dozen. Later still when new crazes have surpassed it maybe 3 and when everyones forgotten about it 1 or worse 0. Of course they will always retain the ones in best condition.
this post was submitted on 14 Mar 2026
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Be sure to check the jail's donation policy. Many won't let you just drop off books there. You may have to order the books through specific vendors and they may restrict what types of books are allowed.
Only thing is no hardback books.
I've read hardbacks in prison.
First of all, good on you
Would your local independent/radical bookshop be willing to help with some donations or discounts?
Or are ebooks an option? I think verso or other might have options but the may be blocked by fascist prison state
Have you tried your local thrift store? Maybe librarians might know where to get books cheaply/donations?
Thrift stores are definitely a good and cheap option. They may even work with you to provide a steep discount with a higher quantity purchase.
Try the dumpster behind your local big box book store. All big stores throw away anything they can't sell
Contact larger libraries.
I live in NYC and the public libraries here literally throw away tons of books every year. The big city libraries and colleges in your area probably do the same.
Honestly? Go on Facebook marketplace or the buy-nothing groups. Tell them you want free books. People have piles of books in their houses they just don't care about. I've got a ton of kids books I want to give away. And I could part with a bunch of my adult ones too.
But shipping is expensive. So you'll want to look local.
I used to collect books and the cheapest option at the time was ebay. I would search things like "science fiction bulk" and select the lot with the best titles. Generally I could find some around 1€ per book, don't know if that's still plausible.
Thrift shops, yard sales.. also local libraries often release their old books when new copies come in, so that's an angle to investigate..
Talk to other libraries
The big libraries here have book sales once per year where you can pay by the box. Might be worth it to touch base with the ones in your area
I bet if you put up an ad, on Facebook marketplace or whatever your equivalent is, stating that you are willing to pick up boxes of books (I'd recommend a 3 or 4 box minimum but whatever) people will contact you.
Be sure to make sure they will let you bring them those books too. Some corrective institutions prohibit books unless they come shipped direct from the source (like Amazon for example).
If your area has them, free libraries. they are these little kiosks whee ueople leave books for others to take. They are usually overflowing.
I would also ask on whatever the equivalent of craigslist in your area. nextdoor, facebook marketplace and free exchange groups.
between all these, I could fill up a van in a day around here
Put posters up, to ask the local community, like at the supermarket, if anybody's got books like that, that they'd be willing to donate.
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