Book Donations

The Indy Library Store gladly accepts donations of your gently used books and select other materials at Indy Library Store! Materials you no longer want can help ensure that learning continues in our community for all. See what items we accept.

You may bring your donations (four boxes or less) to the Library Services Center only, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The center is located at 2450 N. Meridian St. We no longer accept donations at our branches or at Central Library. Please box your books (no bags and no loose donations) and close the boxes before donating. We quarantine all donations for four days, and the boxes help with that procedure.

Boxes, if you need them, are available at the drop-off point. For questions or help with donations larger than four boxes, please call Indy Library Store at 317-275-4044, or contact us.

When we sell your donated books at our book sales, the proceeds help The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation support more Library programs that promote learning and community building.

Help us fill shelves and minds, we need your books!

What kind? You name it, we'll take it. Books your kids have outgrown. Cookbooks, How-tos, Biographies. Fiction, or nonfiction. (Adult nonfiction and children’s books are in especially high demand and are great sellers.)

*What is “gently used?” Free of mold, dust, dirt, and your children’s early attempts to emulate Picasso. For CDs, DVDs, and vinyl LPs—if you can’t play them, neither can a potential buyer (no VHS please).

How to donate

Drop off at your convenience!

The Library is now accepting book donations at the Library Service Center ONLY, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The center is located at 2450 N. Meridian St. We no longer accept donations at our branches or at Central Library.

Donations must be boxed and we request no more than four boxes per donation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Indy Library Store?

Indy Library Store is The Indianapolis Public Library’s physical and online used book sale.

Why does Indy Library Store need my books/CDs/DVDs?

Because we love them (and so do our book sale patrons)! Donated books are nearly 40 percent of the store’s inventory and compliment the discarded items from the Library’s own collection.

How do my books help?

Proceeds from Indy Library Store book sales support the Library Foundation. Annually, the foundation provides nearly $3 million to support many of the programs and services of the Library.

Can we do more than donate books?

Of course! Indy Library Store has many volunteer opportunities throughout the week and even on Saturdays! Plus, many corporations are also financial sponsors of Library programs or conduct book drives for the Library. Please contact the Library Foundation for more information (317-275-4700 or foundation@indyplfoundation.org).

When is the Indy Library Store open to the public?

The store holds five book sales each year (see schedule). For each sale, our Friends of the Library receive first access to purchase books and other materials. Become a Friend.

What if I can’t make it to the book sales?

Indy Library Store also sells online. Visit the store at Amazon, AbeBooks, and eBay anytime!