Donating books
The Calgary Public Library Foundation is happy to accept the following books in excellent condition:
- classic titles, older best sellers and popular fiction of enduring interest
- local materials about Calgary and Southern Alberta
- books that have been published or purchased within the past 5 years
- popular, current paperbacks
- Magazines that have been published or purchased within the past 2 years (accepted at the CENTRAL LOCATION ONLY)
The Library will accept up to 10 donated books at a time at any branch. If you have potential donations that fall outside the guidelines, please contact the Library.
Please drop off donated material during Library open hours and do not use book chutes for donations.
The Library cannot accept the following items:
- materials that are worn, torn, underlined, highlighted, dusty, dirty, mouldy or in otherwise poor condition
- textbooks, encyclopedias, computer books and manuals, Reader’s Digest condensed books, colouring books, workbooks, blank page journals
- previously sold Library material
- CDs, DVDs, records, cassette or VHS tapes
For donations in languages other than English, please consult staff.
Please examine each book to make sure it meets the donation guidelines. Handling and disposing of unusable material costs the Library money. Donated books will be considered for the collection in accordance with the Library’s Material Selection Policy.
The Library is unable to return donated books. Donated books not added to the collection may be placed on a Library sale table from which revenue generated will be used to support Library services and collections.
The Calgary Public Library Foundation will work with donors who would like to provide funds to purchase specific titles for the Library. While not all requests can be accommodated, we will work to ensure the satisfaction of the donor.
See this list for other organizations that may accept your books.
Donating Valuable Books to the Calgary Public Library Foundation
Tax receipts can be issued for the donation of books of significant value. Please make these donations through the Calgary Public Library Foundation.
In order for the Calgary Public Library Foundation to issue a tax receipt, please remember that:
- The Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (Revenue Canada) requires that the item be appraised, in writing, by an independent, recognized expert.
- The donor is responsible for arranging the appraisal of the item, and for any fees involved in that appraisal. If the item is accepted by the Calgary Public Library Foundation, those fees may be included as part of the donation value.
To arrange for your donation of a valuable book or item, please call us at 403-260-2631.