Books have a way of gathering dust over time. Whether you’re downsizing, moving house, or simply making space for new reads, decluttering your home library can feel surprisingly emotional. However, throwing away is not required when letting go. Donating your books to organisations that truly value them can, on the other hand, give them a second chance. If you’re wondering where to donate books in Melbourne, you’re in luck. There are several community-minded organisations, charities, and secondhand stores in this city that will gladly take your old books and use them for good.
Why Donate Instead of Discarding?
Donating books isn’t just about clearing shelf space. Support literacy, cut down on waste, and make a difference in your community are all possibilities. Old novels, children’s stories, textbooks, and biographies can all find new homes where they’ll be read, cherished, and reused.
Additionally, a lot of donation centres resell used books to help pay for important community programs, making your donation go even further.
Top Places to Donate Books in Melbourne
If you’re considering where to donate books in Melbourne, the following are some of the most dependable and meaningful options:
1. Street Library Australia
Street Libraries are small, open-to-the-public book-sharing boxes in Melbourne neighbourhoods. You can help your neighbours find new books to read by simply putting a few books in a street library. The “take a book, leave a book” policy of these small libraries makes them ideal for light reading, fiction, and children’s books.
2. Brotherhood of St. Laurence Op Shops
The Brotherhood runs a chain of opportunity shops throughout Melbourne. They gladly accept book donations, especially popular fiction, cookbooks, and children’s literature. Proceeds from book sales help fund programs that support disadvantaged Australians.
3. Fairs for Lifeline Books
To stock its major fundraising events, Lifeline Book Fairs, Lifeline accepts high-quality donated books all year. These massive sales help raise money for services that help people in times of crisis and prevent suicide.
4. Salvos Stores (The Salvation Army)
Salvos Stores across Melbourne accept books in good condition. Book sales help fund community programs like helping people who are homeless and recovering from addiction.
5. Local Bookstores
Donations of books can be added to the collection of some Melbourne libraries or sold at book sales to raise funds. Since each branch has its own policy, it is best to check with your local branch first. For donation guidelines, consult libraries in the Yarra, Moreland, or Stonnington councils.
6. The Little Bookroom (for Books for Children)
If you have high-quality children’s books in great condition, consider donating them to The Little Bookroom’s community drives. To get books into the hands of children who require them the most, they frequently collaborate with literacy programs and schools in the area.
What Books Can You Donate?
In general, these organisations accept:
- Fiction and nonfiction books in good condition
- Children’s books
- Cookbooks, biographies, and self-help titles
- Educational books (if still relevant and recent)
Avoid donating books that are:
- Damaged, mouldy, or missing pages
- Outdated reference books (like old encyclopedias)
- Old textbooks (unless specifically requested)
Final Thoughts
Your home doesn’t have to feel like a waste when you declutter. Not only does donating your books free up space, but it also promotes a culture of sharing, sustainability, and community enrichment. There are numerous excellent locations in Melbourne where you can donate books, whether it’s a beloved novel you’ve outgrown or a collection of children’s books your family has outgrown. Your old books might bring happiness to someone new, and there are so many worthy organisations willing to take them off your hands. That’s a happy ending, indeed.
