A Book Smart Approach to Fundraising for Libraries
Plus, sustainably manage your weeded materials
By Jamie Hurst • April 05, 2025
In light of Library Week, I want to share a little secret! Okay, it's not so secret… Did you know ThriftBooks partners with libraries to resell used books and PAYS for them?? Libraries have long been pillars of communities, offering access to knowledge, educational resources, and a safe gathering space. However, with budgets often shrinking, libraries are increasingly seeking innovative ways to fund their services and practice sustainability. Our Library Program and ThriftBooks BuyBack® are perfect solutions, helping libraries and their Friends groups raise funds, reduce waste, and promote literacy through the resale of their weeded and donated materials. Let’s dive into how these two programs work and how they can support libraries in their mission.
What is the ThriftBooks Library Program?
The ThriftBooks Library Program allows libraries to donate their surplus or decommissioned books to ThriftBooks, the largest online retailer of used books. In exchange, libraries receive a portion of the proceeds from the sale of those books. This collaboration not only helps libraries raise essential funds but also gives books a second life, contributing to environmental sustainability.
How It Works
- Contact: Libraries contact ThriftBooks and will hear back to setup a call (geared towards larger quantities of books)
- Connect: ThriftBooks will discuss program details and options for shipping and payout
- Shipping: Libraries pack boxes of books to place on pallets or in gaylords for pickup & ThriftBooks arranges FREE shipping…no pre-screening required!
- Payout: After the books are evaluated and sold online, libraries receive a portion of the revenue OR libraries will receive a predetermined payout per pound upon processing
- Environmental Impact: Donating books keeps them out of landfills, promoting sustainability and waste reduction.
How does ThriftBooks BuyBack® differ?
ThriftBooks BuyBack can support smaller shipments of books as well as larger quantities. There is no contract required to use ThriftBooks BuyBack. Libraries and book lovers alike can visit ThriftBooks BuyBack to get started. Use your existing ThriftBooks.com account, or sign-up (it's free!), scan your books and pack $7 or more worth of books into a box. Print your pre-paid USPS label and see your profits immediately upon processing.
Benefits of the ThriftBooks Library Program & BuyBack®
Fundraising Opportunities
For many libraries, fundraising is crucial. Both programs can create a consistent revenue stream to support a variety of needs, from upgrading technology to hosting community events. With ThriftBooks widely recognized and robust resale platform, libraries are earning the highest payouts in the industry.
Sustainability
Selling books to ThriftBooks reduces waste and promotes eco-friendly practices within the community. Instead of heading to the landfill, books are repurposed and given a second life. They may be sold, recycled, or donated. Working with ThriftBooks reduces landfill waste and carbon footprint while saving trees, energy and water.
Affordable Access to Books
The books donated by libraries are sold at affordable prices, making them accessible to people in need. This is particularly beneficial in underfunded areas or for those unable to afford new books, increasing access to reading materials.
Strengthening Community Relationships
The programs build strong relationships not only between libraries and ThriftBooks but also with patrons and local organizations. Libraries can connect with the wider mission of supporting sustainability, literacy, and community enrichment.
Ease of Participation
The process is simple for libraries. ThriftBooks handles the logistics, scheduling larger pickups or providing small parcel labels. This makes it easy for libraries of all sizes to participate without the burden of sorting, selling, or shipping books themselves.
Why Libraries Should Join the Program
In an environment where libraries are often underfunded, the ThriftBooks Library Program offers an effective and sustainable way to generate revenue. It's a solution that supports literacy, promotes sustainability, and helps libraries support their community. It's simple to get started and once enrolled, they can begin shipping books and reaping the benefits immediately! With ThriftBooks owning the largest platform to resell, it's an obvious choice… Pack your books and let ThriftBooks do all of the work!
In Their Own Words
We asked a few library partners how their partnership is going and how their sales proceeds from ThriftBooks helps their library or community.
"… it has been an impressive year in securing funds for our many programs through our partnership. Funding received through ThriftBooks book sales are supporting the District's Tutoring program, Books for Babies program, Career Online High School program, and STEM programs…to name a few. External partnerships like this assist our Foundation in serving the needs of the community at all levels."—A representative of Las Vegas-Clark County Library District Foundation
"We love working with ThriftBooks because it gives us another opportunity to get books into people's hands, while also providing ongoing financial support to our Library. The sales proceeds from ThriftBooks goes back into our Library system to support programs like Summer Read and Authors! as well as supporting our system during a levy or bond issue campaign."—A representative of Friends of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library
"Their streamlined processes and responsive staff make it simple to request pick-ups and get supplies quickly. It is by far our largest source of revenue and allows us to support important library initiatives."—A representative of Columbus Metropolitan Library Friends of the Library
Our Library Program and BuyBack offer libraries a valuable opportunity to raise funds, promote sustainability, and enhance their community impact. By donating surplus books, libraries not only contribute to environmental efforts but also support their financial sustainability. It’s a win-win-win for libraries, readers, and the planet! Libraries love ThriftBooks and the feeling is mutual! Join the love-train today!
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