I accept Luci Tapahonso donations anywhere in the Albuquerque metro with free pickup — the whole collection: the poetry (Sáanii Dahataał: The Women Are Singing, Blue Horses Rush In, A Radiant Curve) and the children's books (Navajo ABC, Songs of Shiprock Fair). You don't sort or price anything. Bring it all; first printings and signed copies are recognized, and the rest funds New Mexico literacy.
Published June 2026 · By Josh Eldred, New Mexico Literacy Project
Luci Tapahonso (Diné) became the inaugural Poet Laureate of the Navajo Nation, and her gentle, family-centered poems — many woven with the Navajo language — are read and loved across New Mexico. When a Tapahonso collection gets cleared, most people just want it to go somewhere that honors it. That's exactly what I'm for: I take the whole thing, free, and I check every book.
What I take: all of it
The poetry
Sáanii Dahataał: The Women Are Singing (1993), Blue Horses Rush In (1997), A Radiant Curve (2008), Saanii, and the early collections.
Children's books
Navajo ABC: A Diné Alphabet Book, Songs of Shiprock Fair, and her other titles for young readers — treasured and welcome.
Any condition
Reading copies, signed copies, the University of Arizona Press editions, and incomplete sets — bring whatever's on the shelf.
You don't have to know what's valuable
Here's the honest picture: most of Tapahonso's trade editions are common and modest in value — but first printings and signed copies are collected, and interest has grown since she became the Navajo Nation's first Poet Laureate. Small-press first printings of poetry can be quietly scarce, since the runs were small. You don't have to figure out which printing you have; bring the whole shelf and I'll recognize the first printings and signed copies, set them aside, and keep the reading copies in circulation, with any hidden value identified and handled properly.
Why donate instead of selling it yourself
For a signed first you know is special, selling on your own is fine. For the rest — paperbacks and children's books — listing each book is more work than it's worth. Donating handles it in one call: no research, no pricing, no listings, no shipping, free pickup at your door, reading copies to new readers, and any first printing or signed copy recognized and supporting New Mexico literacy. Here's where donated books go.
How free pickup works
Call or text 702-496-4214 (or schedule online), tell me roughly how much there is and where you are, and we set a time. I come to you and load it all. I cover Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Corrales, the East Mountains, and the surrounding metro, and I handle whole-house and estate cleanouts regularly.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I donate Luci Tapahonso books in Albuquerque?
Right here — free pickup anywhere in the metro for the whole collection: the poetry and the children's books. Call or text 702-496-4214.
Are Luci Tapahonso books collectible?
Most trade editions are common, but first printings and signed copies are collected (interest up since her Navajo Nation Laureateship). Bring it all and let me check.
Children's books too?
Yes — Navajo ABC and her other children's titles are welcome and treasured. Just don't throw any of it out first.
Cite This Guide
Eldred, J. (June 2026). Donate Luci Tapahonso Books in Albuquerque — Free Pickup. New Mexico Literacy Project.
https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/donate-luci-tapahonso-books-albuquerque
Licensed under CC BY 4.0.