We want to make book donation a fun, easy, and rewarding process for everyone, and so we've provided the following list of common questions and answers. Have a question not answered here? Just let us know:
books@open-books.org.
How do you value my books for tax purposes?
Open Books does not put a value on donations. It is up to you to decide what value to claim on your taxes. For some general tips and guidelines, this article might be helpful.
What kinds of books and media do you accept?
We welcome just about any usable book in good condition: fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, biographies, plays, poetry, children's books published after 1985, etc. We are also now accepting CDs and DVDs in good playable condition.
Why don't you take children's books that were published before 1986?
Under the CPSIA, children's books published before 1986 need to be tested for lead before they can be offered for sale. We don't have the resources to do this, so we prefer not to accept them.
Do you accept books in languages other than English?
Yes! Absolutely.
Do you accept audiobooks on tape or CD?
As long as all the tapes or CDs are in the package, yes, gladly! Audiobooks can be a great way to help people practice their reading skills, and we're always happy to accept them.
Do you accept magazines?
No. Although they can be wonderful aids to literacy, we only have so much shelf space, and we'd rather fill it with our main focus: books.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes! Open Books has been certified as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization by the IRS, and we're happy to give you a tax receipt letter for your books.
How does book pickup in Chicago work? Will you arrange it to fit my schedule?
We pick up books in the city of Chicago according to need and mutually convenent schedule. To have us come to you, just fill out our easy pickup request form.
Is there a minimum number of books I need to have before scheduling a pickup?
We'll go to just about any lengths for books, but we need to be efficient, too. Generally, if you have 4 boxes/bags of books or more, pickup is a great option. If you have fewer than that, we'd be delighted to have you drop them off at our store, or to accept them via the shipping method of your choice.
How should I package my books? Do you provide boxes or bags?
For book pickups, any kind of box or bag is fine. Books can be heavy, so garbage bags may break: paper shopping bags are better, and small to medium-size boxes are wonderful. For shipping, any size box will do so long as it is securely taped. We'd love to provide boxes and bags, but it is just not possible.
I'm moving tomorrow! Can you come get my books today?
Maybe, but more likely you should drop them off with us at 213 W. Institute Pl.or consider sending them to us in the mail. Just note on the donation form that you have a tight deadline and we'll do our best to work with you.
I've got books to send you. How does it work?
We happily accept donations of books via FedEx, UPS, USPS, or the shipping service of your choice. We are no longer able to pay shipping costs, but boxes of books sent to us at 213 W. Institute Pl., Suite 207, Chicago, IL 60610 will be gratefully received and put to good use.
I've got books to drop off to you. Where do I bring them and during what hours?
Great! You can drop off books at the store during business hours (Mon - Sat 10am - 7pm, Sun 12n - 6pm) at 213 W. Institute Pl., Chicago, IL 60610. Or, if other times fit your schedule better, we've got an always-open dropbox at 1740 W. Webster, Chicago, IL 60614.
I run a book sale. Will you take what's left over when we're finished?
Maybe! We are happy to work with book sales when scheduling, space, and resources permit. To see if we can help you, just contact us with specifics.
I work at a company, retirement home, or other community. Can I arrange a book drive here?
Absolutely! Just check out our guide to hosting your own book drive for Open Books.
I have an entire book collection I'd like to donate. There are far too many books for FedEx to handle, but I don't live in Chicago. Can you arrange a special out-of-state pickup?
Very possibly. Just contact us with full details and we'll see what we can do.
I have a question not answered in this list. What should I do?
OK. Let us know!
