Books And Other Items

2/11/24

  • Please note we are not accepting donations on Thursday March 7th and Saturday March 9th
  • Donations may be dropped off from 12-3pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
  • The drop off location is at the back door of the library on Alma Street
  • We welcome large donations but ask that you contact us in advance to arrange a mutually convenient time for drop off

What We Accept

We are happy to accept the following provided the specific item is in re-sale condition (see Re-Sale Condition Required):

  • Paperback, hardback and spiral-bound books
  • Audiobooks on CD
  • Music CDs
  • Sheet music
  • DVDs
  • Maps
  • Games & puzzles
  • Blank notebooks and stationery

Re-Sale Condition Required

Sorry but we can't accept:
 
  • Books with missing pages, broken spines or significant highlighting.
  • CDs, DVDs and other items  that don't function properly.
  • Puzzles and games that have any pieces missing.
  • Items that are soiled, stained, water-damaged, bad-smelling, or falling apart.
  • Items otherwise not in re-sale condition.

What We Do Not Accept

We do not accept (regardless of condition):

  • Outdated computer, business and travel books (older than 5 years)
  • Test prep materials greater than 2 years old
  • Encyclopedias
  • Hardback mysteries greater than 2 years old
  • Foreign language books (Spanish okay)
  • Reader's Digest condensed books
  • Magazines and newspapers
  • Vinyl records (LPs, 45s, 78s)
  • VHS and cassette tapes
  • Toys
  • Computers and other electronics

Questions About Donated Items

Please contact us if you have:
  •  Any question about what we do and don't accept.
  •  An item you think may be of special interest to us.

Recycling Information

For information about recycling items that we do not accept and you are unable to donate elsewhere, you may find the following websites useful:

Where To Drop Off Items

The drop-off location for donated items is at the back door of the Main Library at 800 Alma Street, Menlo Park (see Directions). The back door is around the left-hand side of the Main Library entrance, just off Alma Street and close to the level crossing on Ravenswood Avenue.

Please note the following important information:

  • You cannot back up a vehicle to the back door.
  • Items dropped off anywhere else will not be found or handled by us.
  • The drop-off area is  public and open-air. For this reason, neither the Library nor we can be responsible for the security of donated items. If you are concerned about this, please contact us to arrange a time to bring your item during the Library's open hours.
Please see Hours of Operation for the Main Library’s operating hours and holiday closures.

Tax Information

Donations are deductible for income tax purposes to the full extent permitted by law.
  • For donors dropping off donations, tax receipts are available on the outside wall at the drop-off area.
  • For donors whose donations are picked up, tax receipts are available from our pick-up volunteer.

Please note: neither the Library nor we provide any advice as to the value of a donated item. That is the responsibility of the donor to determine.