Alternative recipients for book donations
Alternative places to give books if the Library is unable to accept them
Here are our suggestions for alternative places to donate your books. Please note that this does not represent an endorsement of any organisation by the University of Edinburgh.
Local to Edinburgh
Bethany Trust: This organisation accepts donations of books.
Christian Aid Book sale : Christian Aid holds regular popular book sales at St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, Edinburgh.
British Heart Foundation: BHF accept free pick ups of large quantities of items including books.
SHRUB: You may prefer to donate your items to one of the zero waste initiatives in Edinburgh, like SHRUB. If you become a SHRUB member you can swap your items in exchange for tokens to use in-store.
St Columba’s Hospice: There are six St Columba's Hospice Care charity shops across Edinburgh and the Lothians. The Canonmills shop (Canonmills Bookshop, 14-15 Brandon Terrace, Edinburgh, EH3 5EA) accepts mainly books.
National
BetterWorld Books
A "for profit social enterprise" which channels some of its profits into global literacy initiatives. There are BetterWorld Books drop off points in the car park beside the Noreen and Kenneth Murray Library at King's Buildings and also Pollock Halls. Scroll down the page to find UK locations.
Anybook Anybook collect from libraries or individuals. You can specify that a proportion of any profits go back to a library of your choice.
Oxfam Bookshops Oxfam has a network of bookshops across the country as well as an online bookshop. Use their donation bags or labels to donate books by post for free.