Donating books in Brisbane is a great way to help people in need and to promote literacy. Every year, millions of books are donated to libraries, schools, and other organisations. These books are then made available to people who may not be able to afford to buy them themselves or are sold to raise much needed funds for charitable organisations.
When donating books, it is important to make sure that they are clean, in good condition, and relevant to the audience you are donating them to. You should also remove any personal information from the books, such as your name or address.
1. Community Centres
New Farm Neighbourhood Centre
The New Farm Neighbourhood Centre is located at 967 Brunswick St, New Farm and provides a range of services to the community. People are welcome to come and use the kitchen, laundry, showers and computers that they have on site. They accept donations of good quality books for their library so drop by with your books for a chat.
Have a look at the work of the New Farm Neighbourhood Centre here.
North West Brisbane Community Hub
This community centre in the north of Brisbane is a wonderful place for the community to come together. This centre accepts donations for their annual Christmas appeal so your books may just become the perfect gift.
You can drop in donations to 180 Jubilee Tce, Bardon and visit their website to find out more about their work.
2. Save the Children
Save the Children is a charity that helps disadvantaged children. They work off the principles of health, education, protection and support for children. Their work takes them across the world, wherever they are needed, including support around natural disasters, conflict, disease or where children are being neglected or abused. Their fundraising work goes towards supporting these programs.
They accept donations of books and you can drop off your donations at any of their stores or at their head office located at 28 Beesley St, West End.
You can find a list of their op shop locations here.
3. St Vincent de Paul Society
The St Vincent de Paul Society, or Vinnies as it is affectionately known as, is a Catholic charity that helps disadvantaged people and people living in poverty. It has a long history of helping Australians as it was established here in 1854. There are over 200 programs across the country to support their mission, and donating books at one of their many local stores across Brisbane will go a big way towards this.
Visit the St Vincent de Paul Society website to find your nearest donation location.
4. Red Cross
The Red Cross is a global humanitarian organisation that provides aid to people in need. It provides a wide range of services, including disaster relief, blood donation, first aid, and refugee assistance.The Red Cross does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, nationality, or political affiliation, making it a well supported charity with societies in over 180 countries around the world. There are 10 Red Cross shops in and around Brisbane, where you can donate books during trading hours.
Take some time to find your nearest Red Cross Store to donate your books to.
5. The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army (or the Salvos as you may hear it called) is a Christian church and international social service organisation that was founded in London. They work with every demographic and age group that may be experiencing hardship or injustice as well as being involved in national issues. There are around 20 op shop locations across Brisbane to donate at.
Click here to find your nearest Salvation Army location.
6. Lifeline
Lifeline is a non-profit organisation that provides support to people in need. They offer a 24-hour crisis support service, as well as a range of other services, including information and referrals, counselling, support and education. There are many Lifeline stores across Brisbane where you can donate books.
Lifeline also runs a large scale bookfest each year in June at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre where many of these books are sold to avid readers to raise money to support their services.
Find out more about Lifeline here.
7. Care Kits for Kids
Care Kits for Kids is an organisation that puts together a care backpack for disadvantaged kids, with 2 days worth of supplies to make them feel valued and worthy. Backpacks include items like new clothes, books, toiletries and education supplies. Donating a book will bring joy to a child who may not have much.
You can find out where to donate on their website.
8. Children’s Hospital Foundation
If you want to make a difference to the lives of sick kids in hospital, the Children’s Hospital Foundation is the place for you. Please note: due safety and hospital restrictions, books must be new and a wish list is available on the website. Take some time to have a look at it before you purchase anything. Drop off is available directly at the hospital by visiting Level 2, Queensland Children’s Hospital 199 Grey Street, South Brisbane. You are welcome to park in the 10 minute drop off zone.
Read more about their work here.
9. Local Schools
Often schools will accept donations of good quality books for students. They use these books to add to their library and to offer programs and services to their students. Call or visit your local school to find out if they accept donations.
You can take a look at the Queensland Department of Education website to find your closest school.
10. Givit
Givit is an online platform that connects people in need with people who want to donate. Visit the website, enter the details about the books you have and get connected with an organisation who can accept delivery or organise a pick up for you.
You can also search your area to find people in need. See the website for more details.
Donating books is a great way to help people in need and to promote literacy. By donating your books, you can make a difference in the lives of others around Brisbane.
