I accept Simon Ortiz donations anywhere in the Albuquerque metro with free pickup — the whole collection: the poetry (Going for the Rain, A Good Journey, From Sand Creek, Woven Stone, After and Before the Lightning), the stories (Men on the Moon, Fightin'), the children's books, and the anthologies he edited. You don't sort or price anything. Bring it all: I check every book by hand, and readable copies go back to readers.
Published June 2026 · By Josh Eldred, New Mexico Literacy Project
Simon Ortiz, from Acoma Pueblo west of Albuquerque, is one of the most important voices in Native American poetry — a foundational figure read alongside Silko, Harjo, and Momaday. His work is taught and treasured across New Mexico, and when a 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
Going for the Rain (1976), A Good Journey (1977), From Sand Creek (1981), Woven Stone (the collected volume), After and Before the Lightning, and Out There Somewhere.
Stories & essays
The story collections Men on the Moon and Fightin', the essays, and the anthologies he edited (Speaking for the Generations).
Children's books & any condition
The Good Rainbow Road and his other children's titles; plus reading copies, signed copies, and the University of Arizona Press editions — bring whatever's on the shelf.
Why bring the whole shelf
Donating takes one call or text: no research, no pricing, no listings, no shipping. Free pickup in the Albuquerque metro, or the covered 24/7 drop box outside the gate at 5445 Edith Blvd NE, any hour. I check every book by hand, readable copies go back to readers, and no readable book goes to the landfill. Here's where donated books go.
How free pickup works
Call or text 505-250-3804 (or schedule online), tell me roughly how much there is and where you are, and I add you to the next route through your area. 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 Simon Ortiz books in Albuquerque?
Right here — free pickup anywhere in the metro for the whole collection: the poetry, the stories, the children's books. Call or text 505-250-3804.
Can I drop Simon Ortiz books off instead of waiting for a pickup?
Yes. The covered 24/7 drop box outside the gate at 5445 Edith Blvd NE takes them any hour, and someone is at the warehouse from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. to help unload a bigger load.
Paperbacks too?
Yes — worn paperbacks, University of Arizona Press editions, reading copies. Just don't throw any of it out first.
Cite This Guide
Eldred, J. (June 2026). Donate Simon Ortiz Books in Albuquerque — Free Pickup. New Mexico Literacy Project.
https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/donate-simon-ortiz-books-albuquerque
Licensed under CC BY 4.0.