APL accepts donations of anything printed or recorded (books, DVDs, CDs, video and audio tape) except magazines. Drop off smaller donations (two bags or small boxes) at
any Austin Public Library location during open hours.
Larger donations are accepted by appointment only at Recycled Reads. Please email recycled.reads@austintexas.gov for an appointment. Recycled Reads is run primarily by volunteers with materials withdrawn from the library’s collection and the community’s donations. Please see the Recycled Reads page for the full donation policy.
At the time of donation, staff will issue a receipt or a Deed of Gift form upon request. The library staff does not appraise the value of donated books or other materials.
We would add a donated title to our collection only if it were a popular, high demand item that is already in the catalog, and in pristine condition. Please see our Gift Policy. If you are a local author with professional recognition contact the Austin History Center to see if your book matches the Center's selection criteria.
If you would like to dedicate a book to the library in memory of someone, please see the Make a Financial Donation or Tribute section of Support the Library.
Other places to donate are: Inside Books Project and Bookspring (for children's books).
