Donations

Thank you for considering Skokie Public Library for your book, movie, and music donations.

Please be advised that due to space constraints imposed by our upcoming renovation, we will no longer accept donations of any kind beginning on December 1, 2019. Check this page for updates.

Donations in good condition may be dropped off at the West Circulation Desk. Items must be in "gift-worthy" condition, free of stains, odor, excessive dust, water damage, or mold. Donations will be put into our Used Books Room or passed on to charity partners; they cannot be returned once donated. We accept books, audiobooks, DVDs, Blu-rays, and CDs, with the following exceptions:

Items not accepted

  • Damaged, discolored, smelly, or moldy books
  • Scratched or damaged DVDs, CDs, or audiobooks
  • Newspapers and magazines
  • Encyclopedia sets and reference books
  • Textbooks
  • School workbooks or notebooks
  • Personal letters or papers
  • VHS tapes, audio cassettes, or personally made CDs or DVDs
  • Advance reading copies or galleys

Local authors

If you are a Skokie-area writer interested in donating your own book, learn about our services for local authors.

Other organizations

In addition to the library, these area organizations also collect book donations and use them for a good cause.

Bernie’s Book Bank

The Niles Township office is now a permanent collection point for children’s books for Bernie’s Book Bank.

5255 Main Street
Skokie, Illinois 60077
847-673-9300

Books4Cause

Books4Cause is a for-profit social venture that helps fund and support various initiatives locally, nationally and around the world. They accept any CDs, DVDs and books in good condition.

3415 Madison St.
Skokie, IL 60076
847-807-4974

Chicago Books to Women in Prison

Chicago Books to Women in Prison sends books to female inmates throughout the country. Certain categories (dictionaries, GED, exercise, cooking, law, trade skills) are always in demand. Visit their website for a complete list.

Open Books

Open Books is a nonprofit that delivers thousands of books to schools and nonprofits and also sells books through their two Chicago bookstores. Visit their website for information on donating books and scheduling a book pickup.

651 W. Lake St.
Chicago, IL 60661
312-475-1355 x114
books@open-books.org

Other donations

For memorial gifts or donations to honor friends and loved ones, please contact our Administration office at 847-673-7774.