We all know that it’s important for your little ones to have access to books. From board books to early readers, many Champaign-Urbana parents find that their children outgrow books almost as fast as they outgrow their jammies!
What to do with those gently used books once your children are done with them? Pass them on, of course!
The following places take donations of gently used children’s books:
Orphan’s Treasure Box: Orphan’s Treasure Box, a 501(c)3 organization that helps support orphan adoptions and orphan care, accepts most books ranging from children’s to Sci-fi, text books to cook books. They go through a sorting process where they decide first which to list online (they sell books on three different websites) and then the rest go into their retail store. They accept book donations everyday while the store is open 9-3 M-F and 9-1 on Saturday. Books can also be dropped off behind the store in their shed anytime. They are able to provide tax receipts if requested. Read more about Orphan’s Treasure Box here.
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District: CUPHD gives each child that comes in a free book and is always accepting donations, You can bring in books during open hours and drop them off at the birth and death certificate window. CUPHD serves children from birth through age 18, and will take books and magazines from infant board books, through young adult (or appropriate for teens.)
Local Libraries: Many local libraries take book and/or magazine donations. Check with your local library about their policy before you lug in that box of books!
Champaign Public Library: The Champaign Public Library accepts donations of any gently used books, from board books through adult. They can’t guarantee that the books will go into circulation, but if they don’t use them, the library will give the donated books to their Friendshop book store for sale.
Urbana Free Library: The Urbana Free library takes book donations as time. You can drop off any books at the circulation desk. Have books to donate but can’t make it in? They also pick up books at your home.
Local Schools and Daycares: Local schools also accept donations of gently used (and new!) children’s books. Please check with your school or daycare first.
A few of the Champaign Elementary schools have a Book Nook and accepts book donations. “Westview definitely has a book nook, and Garden Hills will be collecting them for book night!”
“Yankee Ridge Elementary in Urbana has a free book exchange for every kid in the school–and they start each student off with a free book.” ” Leal School has a place for them- we let children take them home, love them, then keep or exchange for another book.”
Only accepts New children’s books:
Crisis Nursery: Crisis Nursery only accepts new children’s books. “Crisis Nursery! We like to give them out to the children during the holidays and we haven’t had many book donations recently!”