Donate Damaged Books in Albuquerque: Water Stains, Highlighting, Missing Covers
You have a stack of damaged books. Water-stained. Highlighted throughout. Missing a cover. Pages falling out. You don't want to throw them away but everywhere you call in Albuquerque says no.
There's one place that says yes: the New Mexico Literacy Project. I accept books in any condition. No restrictions. No judgment. This guide explains what everyone else rejects, what I accept, and why that matters.
The Short Answer: Yes, Damaged Books Are Welcome
No matter what condition your books are in, I accept them. Water-damaged? Yes. Highlighted? Yes. Moldy? Case by case: text me a photo first at 505-250-3804, and keep moldy books out of the drop box. Missing covers? Yes. Torn pages? Yes.
You don't need to ask. You don't need to wonder. Bring them to my 24/7 drop box outside the gate at 5445 Edith Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107, and drop them off anytime.
Free. Always. No questions asked.
What the Library Explicitly Rejects
Albuquerque's public library system has collection policies. Here's what they don't accept:
- Books with highlighting or handwriting
- Water-damaged or moldy books
- Outdated reference materials — Old encyclopedias, outdated textbooks
- Reader's Digest Condensed Books — Specifically rejected
- Magazines and periodicals
- Books in poor condition — Significant wear, broken spines
Library branches take small donations in good condition during open hours (not Ernie Pyle, Westgate or Special Collections; call ahead), and larger loads go to the Main Library downtown. The library does not take damaged books, magazines, Reader's Digest condensed books, encyclopedias or textbooks. All of those can come to me instead.
What I Accept
This is where I'm different. I accept everything the library and thrift stores reject:
Water-Damaged Books
Stained or warped from an old flood or spill. Wet books stay out of the box: text for a pickup.
Books with Highlighting
Marked-up textbooks and study guides.
Written-In Pages
Margin notes, underlines, answers filled in.
Moldy Books
Old basement odor is fine; mold spots are case by case, so text me a photo first.
Missing Covers & Torn Pages
Broken spines, loose binding, pages falling out.
Outdated Textbooks
Old college editions, technical manuals.
Encyclopedias & Reference Sets
Britannica, Reader's Digest, outdated but usable.
DVDs, CDs, Audiobooks
Media alongside books. Same policy.
The rule is simple: If another place rejected it, I want it. I hand-sort everything and find value in books others wrote off.
Specific Types of Damage: I Accept All
Water Damage
Books left in basements during floods, spilled coffee, rain damage — any water damage.
Mold & Mildew
Musty smell is fine. Visible mold is case by case, so text me a photo first.
Highlighting & Margin Notes
Textbooks covered in yellow highlighter, handwritten notes — this is common damage I accept daily.
Torn Pages & Missing Sections
Pages falling out, chunks of text torn away, missing first or last page.
Broken Spine & Cracked Binding
Spine cracked from reading, binding split open, pages separated from cover.
Missing Dust Jacket or Cover
Hardcover without jacket, paperback with cover missing.
Stains & Odors
Coffee stains, ink marks, old smell, pet odor.
Dog-Eared Pages & Heavy Wear
Books that look like they've been read a hundred times — signs of love, not rejection.
Why I Take What Others Won't
I hand-sort every single donation. I don't use automation. I assess each book individually:
- I find value others miss. A highlighted textbook might be valuable to the next student. An old encyclopedia might be perfect for a homeschool family.
- I have different customers. I have buyers who want used books at any condition — they're reading for content, not condition.
- I have flexible sorting options. If a book is damaged, I decide: resell it as-is, pass it on free to Little Free Libraries, or recycle it as paper.
- I'm committed to keeping books in circulation. The entire reason I exist is to keep books out of landfills and in homes.
How to Donate Damaged Books
- Gather your damaged books. Don't sort. Don't clean. Just gather them.
- Box or bag them up. Any container works.
- Drive to the covered drop box outside the gate, by the road, at 5445 Edith Blvd NE (Edith and Montaño, North Valley).
- Drop them in the outdoor box. Open the box, drop in your books, close the box. Done.
- Leave any time, day or night. The drop box is 24/7. No appointment needed.
That's the entire process. For large quantities of damaged books (100+ books), request free pickup instead.
Don't Throw Them Away
I accept books in any condition. Free 24/7 drop-off.
5445 Edith Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I donate water-damaged books?
Yes. Dry water-damaged books can go in the box. Keep wet books out and text 505-250-3804 for a free metro pickup; mold is case by case, so text a photo first.
Do you accept books with highlighting and writing?
Yes. Textbooks covered in highlighter, margin notes, underlines, filled-in answers — I accept all of it.
What about books with mold or mildew?
Case by case. Text me a photo first at 505-250-3804 and I'll decide. If I say yes, bag them separately and keep them out of the drop box.
Do you take old textbooks and encyclopedias?
Yes. Outdated textbooks, encyclopedia sets, reference materials — items libraries specifically reject — are welcome.
Can I donate books with missing covers or torn pages?
Yes. Books with broken spines, missing dust jackets, torn pages, loose binding — any condition is accepted.
Do other places in Albuquerque take damaged books?
Library branches and the Friends of the Public Library don't take damaged books. I take water-stained, highlighted and coverless books; moldy books are case by case, so text a photo first.
What if I have a lot of damaged books?
For 100+ books, request free pickup or call 505-250-3804. I'll come to you with a truck.