What types of books can you accept?

We accept ALL types of books - children and adult, hardback or paperback. If you have a book you no longer need, we will try to find a new life for it.

Where do the books donated to you go?

Most of the usable, appropriate children's books we receive are donated to elementary schools serving low-income populations across the U.S. We also provide support to after-school programs (such as Boys and Girls Clubs) and to Friends of the Library groups. About 1/4 of the books we receive are sold by a professional fundraiser, Thrift Recycling Management, Inc., to defray the substantial, operational costs of our programs. Unusable books and other paper items from the bins are recycled (pulped), thereby helping reduce the flow of material into our nation's landfills.

How can I get books for my school or program?

There are some limitations to our ability to support requests for books. When we receive requests to provide books, our ability to give a positive response is affected by (1) the number of pending requests for children’s books in that market and (2) the distance we are from the people or group making the request. We do not currently have a budget for shipping books so we generally are unable to support requests outside our service area. Nonetheless, requests can always be directed to us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

How many books have been donated?

Since 2007, we have donated over 4 million books to schools, libraries, after-school programs and other recipients in need.

How long have you been around?

In 2000, the program began as a Boston-area initiative known as "Hands Across the Water" and later amended its name to Reading Tree, to better reflect our domestic mission.

You don't have bins in my area - how can I help?

Currently, we have major bin collection programs in several areas of the U.S. – Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Indianapolis, Northern California, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Seattle and Washington, D.C. Additionally, as Reading Tree Foundation, we operate in the greater Vancouver, British Columbia area. Future plans will take us to more cities across North America. If you don't live near one of our collection areas, please contact us to discuss how you can support by hosting a book drive, or as a volunteer to bring our program to your area.

How is Reading Tree funded?

Sometimes we receive cash donations from the public to support our programs. As we continuing to grow, we will need to meet the increasing requests for book donations. We have a contract with Thrift Recycling Management, Inc., to provide operational and logistical support for our programs. Our books are sorted, boxed, and stored at their warehouses and delivered by their drivers and trucks. Reading Tree receives the majority of the proceeds from recycled (pulped) books. While our primary source of books is the donation bin program, we also benefit from libraries, book stores, and other sources that have usable books they no longer need and wish to donate.

Do you ever hold book sales?

On occasion, we have co-sponsored book sales with or for other non-profit organizations.

How do you choose literacy partners?

Most non-profit organizations we choose are committed to improving literacy for children. They have literacy initiatives in place that Reading Tree can complement by donating books. Our partners include agencies such as: Communities in Schools, Boys & Girls Clubs, and the United Way.

How often do the books in the bins get picked up?

Usually once each week. More frequent pickups can be scheduled if necessary.

Who is responsible for cleaning up junk and debris left around your bins?

Each time the drivers visit a bin for service, they are instructed to clean around the bins. Please call 888-402-BOOK, if a pick-up is needed. If you have a large quantity of books to donate to Reading Tree, please call our toll-free line or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .