Donate Damaged Books in Albuquerque — Yes, I Take Everything
You have a stack of damaged books. Water-stained. Highlighted throughout. Missing a cover. Pages falling out. Moldy. 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, I Take Everything
No matter what condition your books are in, I accept them. Water-damaged? Yes. Highlighted? Yes. Moldy? Yes. 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 at 5445 Edith Blvd NE, Unit A, 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- Outdated reference materials — Old encyclopedias, outdated textbooks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
Additionally, most library branches have limited shelf space and frequently aren't accepting donations.
What Goodwill & Savers Are Picky About
Goodwill and Savers accept books, but they're selective. They're looking for books in good condition they can resell quickly:
- No highlighting or writing
- No water damage
- No mold
- Condition matters significantly
- Limited availability to accept — They fill up and stop accepting donations
Even if your books pass inspection, you have to visit during business hours and stand in line.
What I Accept (That Nobody Else Does)
This is where I'm different. I accept everything the library and thrift stores reject:
Water-Damaged Books
Soaked, stained, warped from flood or spill.
Books with Highlighting
Marked-up textbooks and study guides.
Written-In Pages
Margin notes, underlines, answers filled in.
Moldy Books
Basement damage, old odor, mold spots.
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Outdated Textbooks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Britannica, Reader's Digest, outdated but usable.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, visible mold spots, books stored in damp basements.
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
The New Mexico Literacy Project hand-sorts 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 as-is, donate to schools/facilities, or recycle responsibly.
- 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 5445 Edith Blvd NE, Unit A, Albuquerque, NM 87107. That's Edith and Montano in the 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, Unit A, Albuquerque, NM 87107
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I donate water-damaged books?
Yes. Any level of water damage — soaked, stained, warped. No questions asked.
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?
Yes. Moldy books from basement storage, damp garages, or water damage are accepted. I assess and handle them appropriately.
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.
Does anyone else in Albuquerque accept damaged books?
No. I'm the only place in Albuquerque that accepts books in any condition without restrictions.
What if I have a lot of damaged books?
For 100+ books, request free pickup or call 702-496-4214. I'll come to you with a truck.