How To: Hold a Book Drive

Book Stack
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Spread the gift of literacy! Host a book drive in your school or community to benefit the underprivileged.

  1. Find your target. Contact someone to receive the books
  • the local library
  • a shelter
  • a nursing home
  • children’s hospitals
  • Location is key. Set up boxes in your area’s schools, stores, hospitals, or anywhere else you’d think you’d snag a lot of reads (get permission first, though). In addition, see if your local library or book stores have any books they’d like to donate for a good cause.
  • Promote. Get the word out in any way possible (fliers, posters, cold calling, social networking, email blasts, etc). Make sure to include the following information in your promotional material:
    • Dates of the drive
    • Locations
    • What books to bring and in what condition (mint to good condition would be preferable)
    • Purpose of the drive
  • Organize your books. Separate your newly donated reading material based on age group, where the books are going to go, and whether the book is paperback or hardcover.
  • Send ‘em away. Once all of your hard work is done, arrange a time to deliver your books to the place that you’ve coordinated with.