Last verified May 2026 · Original research by Josh Eldred
Your Books Find New Readers
Every book donated to NMLP is hand-sorted and routed to a new reader — through resale, free distribution to children's hospitals and schools, or community partnerships. When you donate books to me, I sort every single one by hand. Resellable titles find new readers through buyers. Children's books are donated free to UNM Children's Hospital, group homes for adults with developmental disabilities, school libraries in rural NM communities, and APS Title I classrooms in central Albuquerque. Other readable books go to Little Free Libraries and community outlets. Only the small share that's water-damaged, moldy, or falling apart gets paper-recycled. Since launching, I've sorted and processed over 500,000 pounds of books.
New Mexico Literacy Project is a locally owned business. Donations are not tax-deductible.
Resellable Books
find new readers
Books in good condition get resorted and resold to readers who want them. Revenue from sales funds the entire operation — free pickups, the 24/7 drop box, and my children's book donation program. Your books keep moving instead of sitting in a landfill.
Books in Any Condition
everything gets processed
Damaged, water-stained, missing covers, torn pages — I accept it all. Most still find a reader through my distribution channels. Only the ones that are truly unreadable — water-damaged, moldy, or with broken bindings — get paper-recycled, and I even remove the glue binding for better recyclability. You never have to worry about what's "good enough" to donate.
Your old books don't just disappear.
They get hand-sorted, one by one. Sellable books reach new readers. Children's books are donated free to UNM Children's Hospital pediatric oncology and inpatient wards, group homes for adults with developmental disabilities, and school libraries in small NM towns from Belen to Las Vegas. Everything else that's still readable goes to Little Free Libraries and community partners. Only the truly damaged — water-stained, moldy, torn — gets paper-recycled. Over 500,000 pounds processed and counting.
What happens to donated books compared to thrift store donations?
Books donated to NMLP are hand-sorted one by one — collectible titles are resold to readers, children's books go free to hospitals and schools, and everything else is recycled or redistributed. At most thrift stores, books sit on shelves briefly and are then pulped or landfilled.
For a donor-moment landing page targeting the “about to drive to Goodwill” decision, see the dedicated Goodwill alternative for ABQ book donations page with a full comparison table covering Goodwill, Savers, Friends of the Albuquerque Public Library, Better World Books, and Bookworks.
National Chains
(Goodwill, Savers, etc.)
New Mexico Literacy Project
(NMLP)
Won't accept damaged items — if a book is water-damaged or missing a cover, they'll turn it down
I accept ANY condition — bent pages, missing covers, stains, highlighting. Just drop it off
Limited drop-off hours — most are only open during business hours. What if you have time at 9 PM?
24/7 drop-off — my outdoor box is always open. Donate on your schedule, any time
National chains throw away what doesn't sell — unsold books often end up in the dumpster after a few weeks on the shelf
I work to keep as many books as possible in circulation — sellable books find readers, other readable books go to community outlets, only water-damaged or broken-binding books are paper-recycled
National chains — profits go to corporate HQ, not your community
I'm independent and local — I focus on keeping books circulating in New Mexico, serving readers right here in your community
Who Can Donate?
If you have books you no longer need, I want them. Here are some situations where people donate to me:
Moving
Relocating and don't want to move your whole library? Drop them off here instead.
Decluttering
Spring cleaning? Minimizing? Your books will find new homes instead of gathering dust.
Estate Sales
Have a large collection to clear out? call me for big donations. I can work out pickup details.
Schools & Libraries
Weeding outdated books? Upgrading your collection? I'll take donations from your institution.
Churches & Nonprofits
Cleaning out storage? Retiring a book collection? I'm here to help.
Businesses
Office library cleanup? Breaking a lease? I accept large business donations too.
The Real Difference
When you donate here, you're not just clearing shelf space. You're putting books into the hands of people who want them — readers, families, kids who've never owned a book of their own.
That's what makes this different. Your books keep moving.
Ready to Donate?
Drop off your books anytime at the 24/7 donation center. No appointment needed. No sorting required. Just bring them and know they'll be part of something meaningful.