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Top 10 Places to Donate Books in Toronto

If you’re a book hoarder, er, lover like us, we wouldn’t be surprised if you have stacks of books taking up valuable space in your home. What can be done, then? Buying new books isn’t an option!

Thankfully, Toronto is brimming with donation centres that would be more than happy to take those books off your hands.

So, whether you have a bookworm’s paradise or simply have a few treasures you’ve outgrown, you can check out this curated list of the top book donation centres in Toronto. Before you know it, you’ll be decluttering while also giving back to the community. So read on!

Salvation Army Thrift Store

Website: http://www.thriftstore.ca/  

Address: 1447 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6R 1A1, Canada

Contact details: +1 416-536-3361

Operating hours: Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 8 PM

The Salvation Army has been in the book-saving business for over 20 years. Mad about making a difference, this organisation’s focus is on helping those in need.

They’re pretty chill about what books they take—fiction, non-fiction, kids’ books, cookbooks, you name it. As long as your “To Kill a Mockingbird” isn’t missing its cover or your “Pride and Prejudice” isn’t swimming in coffee stains, they’ll welcome your donation with open arms.

And here’s the thing: Salvation Army’s got a boatload of drop-off locations all over Toronto. Downtown, uptown, and crosstown—there’s no town in the TO that isn’t covered.

But, to save you from hauling boxes across the city, just hit up their website for details on the location nearest you.

Local tip: When dropping off your book donations at Salvation Army, remember that their donation bins are available 24/7, so feel free to swing by whenever it suits you best!

The Toronto Public Library Foundation

Website: https://tplfoundation.ca/ 

Address: 789 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M4W 2G8, Canada

Contact details: +1 416-393-7123

Operating hours:

  • Wednesday to Friday – 12 PM to 6 PM
  • Saturday – 12 PM to 5 PM

Now let me tell you, the Toronto Public Library Foundation isn’t just a place to shush your friends; it’s a sanctuary for your old favourites. As you may already know, it’s a full-on book paradise.

The TPLF rejoices in all types of books, especially literature and children’s books, but hey, they don’t discriminate. Got something cool but slightly offbeat, like a guide to interpretive tree dancing? Bring it over. 

Just make sure your donations are in good nick—no marked or yellow pages. The TPLF is always glad to help your books find a new home.

And before you go, check their website for drop-off details since they can be a bit tricky. They had a few select drop-off locations like the North York Central Library, among others.

Local tip: Before donating, check the library’s wish list on their website; they often have specific needs for their unique programs and initiatives!

Habitat for Humanity Canada

Website: https://habitat.ca/en 

Address: 477 Mount Pleasant Road, Suite 403, Toronto, ON M4S 2L9 Canada

Contact details: +1 416-644-0988

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 6 PM
  • Saturday – 9 AM to 5 PM

Now, you may be thinking, “Uh, isn’t Habitat for Humanity the home-building folks?” Yes, siree, you’re dead right—but d’you know what homes need? BOOKS.

The great thing about Habitat is that they take all sorts of books. Whether it’s a thrilling Murder She Wrote mystery or a soothing Oprah Winfrey memoir, they welcome them all!

Of course, make sure they’re in good condition because nobody likes to read a book that’s been to hell and back. A few dog ears are fine, though. 

By donating your beloved books to Habitat, not only will they get a new lease on life, but they’ll also help fund projects that provide decent, affordable housing to families. Talk about killing two birds with one stone!

Good thing there are a bunch of ReStore locations to drop off your donations across Toronto. This ain’t a speedy in-and-out operation, though, so do check their website and plan before you set out on a book-toting journey across Toronto.

Local tip: The Carlaw Avenue location usually has a ton of parking available, in case you’re bringing a bunch.

Cliffside Village Books

Website: http://cliffsidevillagebooks.com/ 

Address: 2404 Kingston Rd, Scarborough, ON M1N 1V2, Canada

Contact details: +1 647-827-9199

Operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday – 12 PM to 5 PM

Cliffside Village Books is now big on supporting the community. And by accepting your gently used books, you’re not only helping to keep their shelves stocked, but you’re also giving back to your fellow Toronto peeps. Win-win, eh?

They’re not too picky with what they accept, so fiction, non-fiction, kids’ books, graphic novels, even textbooks—it’s all good in the hood! They’re open and ready to take your books with tons of enthusiasm!

Located at Kingston Rd. (just over the bridge from the Beaches), it’s a sweet little store where you can pop in during their business hours and drop off your donations. Just pack those bad boys up and head on over.

Local tip: As you donate your books to Cliffside Village Books, make sure to stroll along Kingston Road and discover charming local shops and cafés in this vibrant Toronto neighbourhood.

Value Village

Website: https://stores.savers.com/ab/edmonton/valuevillage-thrift-store-2006.html 

Address: 8930 82 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6C 0Z3, Canada

Contact details: +1 780-468-1259

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 9 PM
  • Sunday – 10 AM to 8 PM

If you haven’t heard of Value Village, it’s like a treasure trove for thrifty shoppers. They’re known for affordable clothes, housewares, and, yep, you guessed it, books!

They’re pretty much a book drop-off haven. Mystery, romance, sci-fi, DIY guides—bring it on!

They appreciate all kinds of books in good condition (no water-damaged or torn copies, please). They don’t want your discarded, mouldy magazines, though, so don’t be that person.

Value Village is scattered all over Toronto, so regardless of where you call home, there’s probably one lurking nearby. To find your local store, hit up their website, plug in your location, and bingo, you’re good to go!

Local tip: If you’ve got a Value Village Club Card, you’ll get a 20% discount coupon with your donation. Sweet deal, huh?

Pegasus Community Project/The Pegasus Shoppe

Website: https://www.pegasustoronto.ca/the-pegasus-shoppe/  

Address: 931 Kingston Rd., Toronto, ON, M4E 1S6 Canada

Contact details: +1 416-913-2544

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Saturday – 9:30 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday – 11 AM to 4 PM

If you’re wondering why this place rocks, get a load of this: Pegasus is a fantastic organisation that supports adults with developmental disabilities. As part of their program, they run Pegasus Thrift, a shop that’s perfect for offloading your books!

These folks appreciate all sorts of books; as long as they’re in good shape, Pegasus is a game. Beautifully bound classics, kids’ books, cooking guides, or that obscure poetry book you got from your weird Aunt Maude—it’s all OK.

Donating your book collection to Pegasus goes towards funding their life-changing programs, so you couldn’t choose a better place to share your pre-loved reads. Just drop by during business hours and spread some book love!

Local tip: When you drop off your books, don’t forget to check out their sweet assortment of thrift finds. You might just discover a hidden gem!

Second Life Books

Website: https://www.secondlifebooks.net/ 

Address: 4480 Chesswood Dr Unit 7-8, North York, ON M3J 2B9, Canada

Contact details: +1 647-689-6066

Operating hours: Open 24 hours

Second Life Books is where your previously adored novels, epic sagas, and go-to cookbooks receive a, you guessed it, second life! This place does exactly what it says on the tin.

When it comes to book donations, Second Life Books isn’t going to scold you for your choices. As long as your books are in fairly good condition—keeping the dog ears and margin scribbles to a minimum—they’ll be thrilled to take them!

Find your way to their place with a carefully packed stack of well-loved books, and you’ll be greeted with open arms and satisfied smiles.

Local tip: While you’re there, don’t forget to browse their eclectic collection. It’s like a treasure trove of wonders, just waiting to be discovered!

Trinity College Book Donation

Website: https://www.trinity.utoronto.ca/library/about/friends-of-the-library/donating-books/ 

Address: 6 Hoskin Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 1H8

Contact details: +1 416-978-2522

Operating hours: Tuesday – 10 AM to 2 PM (for drop-offs)

Trinity College Book Donation is like that quirky aunt who has her own special charm. Their book sale which is a once-a-year event offers a spot for your lovely books to shine and find new readers, which, c’mon, is always exciting!

They usually start accepting donations in January and end in August, with a key focus on clean, gently used books. Magazines, encyclopaedias (yes, those hefty coffee table killers), or textbooks more than five years old fall in the ‘Thank You, Next’ category.

This eco-friendly exchange takes place at Seeley Hall at Trinity College, and they make it super simple to drop off your treasures.

Local tip: While dropping off your book donations for the Trinity College Book Sale, take the opportunity to explore the stunning historical architecture of the University of Toronto’s Trinity College.

BMV Books

Website: http://www.bmvbooks.com/ 

Address: 471 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON M5S 1X9, Canada

Contact details: +1 416-967-5757

Operating hours:

  • Sunday to Thursday – 12 PM to 7 PM
  • Friday and Saturday – 10 AM to 11 PM

Let’s swoop down to BMV Books, a haven for used books, music, and movies in the 6ix. It’s all in the letters: BMV stands for “Buy, sell, trade: movies, music, and, of course, books!”

Their advantage? They’re more than a bookstore; they’re a part of the Toronto community fabric.

And their book-buying counter? It’s open every day at each of their three locations. Yes, you heard it, three!

BMV is pretty chill about what they accept, but they give more love to books that are in excellent condition, whether they are current text or hardcover. However, prepare for a little heartache, as not all books can be bought or accepted.

Local tip: If your gently-read paperback didn’t make the cut at the buying counter, just wander down to your next adventure—you might discover a new favourite while you’re at it!

ABC Books

Website: https://abcbookstoronto.blogspot.com/ 

Address: 662 Yonge St, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Contact details: +1 416-967-7654

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Saturday – 11 AM to 11 PM
  • Sunday – 12 PM to 8 PM

Lastly, but not least, we’ve got ABC Books, this cosy little store in North York. Don’t let the exterior fool you, because once inside, you’ll discover a wonderland of used books that would make Alice dutch Wonderland!

They’re quite particular about donations, usually preferring traditional genres such as fiction, philosophy, history, and children’s books. Avoid textbooks, magazines, or damaged books; they prefer their books to be crisp and clean!

Donations are usually accepted at the store, or if you have a lot (we’re talking over 200), they might just swing by to pick them up.

Local tip: When donating to ABC Books, make the trip worthwhile! Discover some hidden gems in their vast collection, or simply appreciate the quaint, nearby neighbourhood.
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