Friends sells donated items at our used bookstore, our semiannual and branch book sales, and our online store. We also distribute books and audiovisual materials through our Books in the Community program. The money raised by book sales supports programming, purchases equipment not included in the library’s budget, and maintains the Friends office.
If you itemize deductions, your donation of materials may be tax deductible. At your request, Friends will provide you a receipt for tax purposes. It will be up to you to determine the value of your donation.
Materials Donation Policy
We accept new or gently used:
- Books
- Magazines
- Sheet music
- Audiovisual materials (no VHS or cassette tapes, please)
- Encyclopedias (please contact us first)
- Textbooks (please contact us first)
Please contact us if you have:
- More than three boxes
- Large sets of books or magazines
- Encyclopedias
- Textbooks
We are unable to accept any materials in the following condition:
- Materials that have evidence of mildew, mold, brittle or yellowing pages, bug infestation, stains, or dirt
- Any items that smell of cigarette smoke or other strong odors.
- Books with broken spines or missing pages.
Please do not place donated materials in book returns or leave them outside library doors.
Many local thrift stores accept books and other materials as donations that do not meet our criteria. Please consider organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill Knox Area Rescue Ministries (KARM), and others in our community.
Small Donations
Up to three bags or boxes can be taken to the circulation desk at any library branch. If you have more than a few items, please call your branch library before dropping off your books. Space fluctuates at each branch, and we want to make sure they have room for your donation.
You may also bring small donations to the Friends @ Rothrock Used Book Shop, located at Lawson McGhee Library, during bookstore hours.
Large Donations
If you have more than three boxes of books to donate, please contact the Friends office at 865.215.8775 or send an email to info@knoxfriends.org to schedule receipt of your large donation.