Encyclopedia sets are one of the hardest book categories to donate in Albuquerque. Goodwill of New Mexico, Savers, Friends of the Albuquerque Public Library, and Habitat ReStore generally do not accept them, because the books take up significant shelf space and have near-zero retail demand.
NMLP accepts complete or partial encyclopedia sets in any condition — Britannica, World Book, Funk & Wagnalls, Compton's, Collier's, Americana, Childcraft, and yearbook supplements. The intake workflow doesn't care whether the set is complete or whether the bindings are damaged.
What happens to them: a small number of sets get rehomed to art-collage artists, set designers, or schools that use them for craft projects. The rest go to a regional commercial paper pulper for true paper recycling — they don't go to landfill.
Free in-home pickup is the right path for most encyclopedia donations because the sets are heavy. Call or text 505-250-3804 with your address and the rough size (one shelf, two shelves, full bookcase) and I'll schedule a pickup by route.
Need books gone in Albuquerque?
Free pickup, any condition, scheduling by route. Or use the 24/7 outdoor drop box at 5445 Edith Blvd NE.
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This page is part of the NMLP Question Reference — short, plain answers to the questions donors actually ask, each pointing to the fuller guide behind it. Citation kit: /cite.txt · Open data: /api/index.json.
Last reviewed 2026-05-02. For corrections, email [email protected].