The Detroit Public Library Friends Foundation welcomes donations of gently used books from members of the community. These books may be selected to fill in gaps in the Library’s collection, or may become part of The Friends’ biannual Used Book Sale which raises money for the Detroit Public Library’s “Warm Up to Reading” program. “Warm Up to Reading” is a critical program for metro Detroit schoolchildren in that it encourages recreational reading during the months of summer vacation. A typical student may lose up to 25% of his or her reading skills during the summer months without regular access to books. “Warm Up to Reading” services approximately 4,500 schoolchildren each summer, providing reading materials, reading incentives, and peer-related book discussion groups, concluding with a celebration of reading just before the start of the new school year.

Main Library accepts book donations Monday through Saturday, from the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Please bring your packaged books (boxes are preferred) to the south entrance of Main Library, which is located on Putnam Street just east of Cass Avenue. You will find a loading dock on this side of the building; simply pull your car up to the dock and wait a few moments for a security guard to come out and assist you. A receipt for tax purposes will be given to you upon donation of your books. Please note that you, as the donor, determine the value of your donation.

Unfortunately, the Library does not have the resources to pick up books. Also, we do not accept donations of magazines or textbooks, which quickly become obsolete. We do accept both hardcover and paperback books, encyclopedias and other reference materials, videos, CDs and DVDs, and audio books that are in good condition. Please refrain from donating books that are damaged or have mold or mildew conditions (as they contaminate other books). If you have a rare or historical book which you wish to donate, please contact Patrice Merritt, Executive Director, at (313) 833-4048. These books may be added to the Detroit Public Library’s Rare Book Collection for use by future generations.