Shelters are havens for children bookworms; what a wonderful way to escape their realities for but a moment to live inside of a book. It is also bonding for parents and children. Finding shelters to donate to is easily accomplished with a simple internet search. Call the shelter staff first, or stop in, and make sure they're accepting them, and be sure there aren't any special rules that must be adhered to, such as subject matter, book condition, or bringing traffic in from the outside. Project Night Night donates packages free of charge to homeless children around the nation. They provide Night Night Packages that contain security blankets, a stuffed toy, and a book to provide a night of safety and comfort to an otherwise frightened or confused child. Donations can be mailed or dropped off personally at a number of locations in California, Florida, Michigan and Ohio.
Hospitals can always use books for its residents as they spend calm, zen time healing. Emergency centers can also use books and can become a real healing point for a frightened child. Books are useful aids in keeping busy little minds fresh, focused and hopeful. Most hospitals have an outreach department and gratefully accept donations, and must usually go through. Housing Works' Book Store Café accepts books, CDs, DVDs and LPs that are still in sale-able condition. Housing Works' operates like a thrift store, selling donations and using profits to benefit people living with HIV/AIDS and homelessness. Donations can be dropped off at any Housing Works site, shipped to the address below, or in some cases can be picked up by Housing Works.
Schools can always use donations, and libraries will likely find a shelf for them. The local elementary schools, preschools, and even after school programs. With government funding cuts, most organizations and schools are in need of books in good condition. Call the director or principal's office to find out what types of books are acceptable and if there are restrictions on subject matter. Books for America provides schools, shelters, prisons and other organizations in need in the Washington DC area with not just books, but entire reading programs. Donations can be brought in person, shipped, or arrangements can be made for a pick-up.
Institutions need books to keep residents reading and learning, but they also need books for the children of residents. Waiting room lobbies, playrooms, and visitation sessions can use books to read aloud, read together, increase reading skills and encourage reading as a healthy family event. The Prison Book Project keeps inventories of donated books and then conducts neighborhood book drives that benefit incarcerated people. They take donations on an on-going basis, and while books can be dropped off in person or shipped directly, they prefer to be contacted prior to sending in any donations.