Of course books, magazines, and newspapers are all recyclable, but we shouldn’t forget the other R’s…Reduce and Reuse! Donating books is a great way to reuse items and keep them out of landfills.
For San Diego residents mail, newspapers, magazines, and phonebooks can all be recycled in your curbside program. Keep in mind that magazines and books can make wonderful donations for nursing homes or shelters.
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Where to Donate Books in San Diego
Books are meant to be shared, so if you’ve got a collection of books you’re done with then look through these options for donating books in San Diego.
Friends of the San Diego Public Library
A wonderful bookstore ran by Friends of the San Diego Public Library accepts book donations and also holds great book sales every third weekend of the month, if you want to get some great deals on books.
Book donation hours are:
- Open Hours every Tuesday and Thursday 9 am-12 pm (noon)
- 24 Hour Donation box located on Howard Avenue
- By Appointment call: (619) 542-1724 or email: [email protected]
Goodwill San Diego Kearny Mesa Book Store
San Diego Goodwill accepts book donations at their Kearny Mesa Bookstore as well as all their San Diego Goodwill locations. This gem of a bookstore is located at:
7061 Clairmont Mesa Blvd #201
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 810-8230
Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-7pm, Sunday 10am-5pm
Friends of Santee Library
This bookstore also accepts gently used book donations. This is another great option if you are looking to donate books in decent condition. They also accept audio and videotapes, DVDs, and CDs. Drop-offs are accepted during store hours and they are located at:
9225 Carlton Hills Blvd. #8
Santee, CA 92701
(619) 596-1525
Store Hours:
Mon 12-7pm, Tues, Wed, Thurs 12-4pm, Friday 12-5pm
Sat 10-5pm and Sunday 11-2pm
friendsofsanteelibrary.com
Book-Off
This is an awesome store that can help you purge a lot of your unwanted or unneeded media including books, DVDs, comic books, and more. Better yet you can even make some extra cash from your old books. We are lucky to have a location right here in San Diego off Kearny Mesa Rd.
BookOff San Diego Store
4240 Kearny Mesa Rd. #128, San Diego, CA 92111
Store Hours: 10am-8pm
(858) 627-9600
Bookoffusa.com
More Book Donation Locations
For children’s books, you can contact a nearby school or childcare center to see if they are currently accepting book donations. Most teachers will gladly welcome any book donations to help supplement their own classroom books.
San Diego Rescue Mission
San Diego Rescue Mission accepts book donations at their three thrift store locations. They help women and families in crisis with emergency housing and food. Your donation will help fund these crucial programs.
Point Loma Thrift Store
3601 Sports Arena Blvd
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 819-1785
Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30-5:30pm
Sunday 8-4pm
City Heights Thrift Store
5150 University Avenue, San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 819-1711
Hours: Mon-Sat 8-4pm Closed Sundays
North Park Thrift Store
3055 University Avenue, San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 819-1855
Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30-5:30pm Closed Sundays
Further Reading
More information on book donation can be found in our article about book recycling.