Long winter evenings in New England are made for reading. For many families, though, books are a luxury, and public libraries are the place where kids find picture books, teens find novels, job seekers get internet access, and newcomers attend English conversation groups. Libraries are also warm, welcoming spaces during the coldest months.
Supporting reading in your community can take many forms, from running a thoughtful book drive to volunteering with library programs. This guide explains how to help, and how to make sure donated books end up in readers’ hands rather than in the recycling bin.
Start With Your Public Library
Public libraries, from large systems like the Boston Public Library to small-town branches across New England, offer far more than books. Many provide story times, homework help, technology classes, museum passes, meeting rooms and programs for older adults. Getting a library card and using these services is itself a form of community support, since usage helps libraries demonstrate their value.
Many libraries also have a “Friends of the Library” group, a volunteer organization that supports programs through book sales, fundraising and advocacy. Joining or volunteering with a Friends group is one of the most direct ways to help.
Before You Run a Book Drive
Book drives are popular, but they can create problems if they are not planned well. Libraries, schools and programs often receive more used books than they can use, especially outdated textbooks, encyclopedias and worn paperbacks. Before collecting anything, find a recipient and ask:
- What age groups and types of books do you need most?
- Do you accept used books, or only new ones?
- What condition standards do you have?
- Do you need books in specific languages?
- How many books can you realistically accept?
- How and when should books be delivered?
Potential Book Drive Recipients
Depending on what they need, these organizations may welcome books:
- Schools and classroom libraries, especially for specific grade levels
- After-school and early childhood programs
- Pediatric waiting rooms and family resource centers
- Shelters with children’s or adult reading areas
- Senior centers and assisted living communities
- Little Free Libraries and community book exchanges
- Friends of the Library book sales
- Programs serving immigrants and English language learners
What Makes a Good Donated Book
Use this simple test: Would a reader be excited to pick this up? Good donations are generally:
- Clean, with no mold, mildew, smoke odor or water damage
- Intact, with no loose pages or broken spines
- Free of heavy writing, highlighting or stickers
- Reasonably current, especially for nonfiction
- Appropriate for the intended age group
Books that are not suitable for donation can often be recycled. Check your local recycling guidelines, since hardcover books may need covers removed.
New Books Make a Big Difference
For children who do not own many books, a brand-new book to keep can be especially meaningful. Consider a drive focused on new books for a specific program, such as books for a school’s family literacy night or for children in a shelter. Diverse books that reflect a range of cultures, languages, family structures and experiences help children see themselves and others in stories.
Running the Drive
- Confirm your recipient and its specific needs.
- Set a clear time frame, such as two weeks.
- Share a precise list of what you are collecting, such as “new or like-new picture books and early readers.”
- Set up collection bins in locations with permission, such as school lobbies or workplaces.
- Sort carefully by age group and condition, removing unsuitable books.
- Box and label according to the recipient’s preferences.
- Deliver promptly and thank donors.
Volunteering With Reading Programs
Books are only part of the picture. Many people need support to become confident readers. Volunteer opportunities might include:
- Reading aloud to children at libraries, schools or after-school programs
- Tutoring adults learning to read or learning English
- Leading book clubs for teens or older adults
- Delivering books to homebound residents, where library programs offer this service
- Helping at library book sales or events
Programs involving children or vulnerable adults often require background checks and training, so contact them well in advance.
Build or Stock a Little Free Library
Little Free Libraries and similar book exchange boxes let neighbors share books freely. You can build one with permission on your property, or help keep an existing one stocked and tidy. In winter, check that the box stays dry and remove damaged books. Rotating in seasonal reads and children’s books keeps it inviting.
Advocate for Libraries
Libraries depend on public support. Attending library board meetings, participating in community surveys, and telling local officials how much you value library services are all non-partisan ways to help. Even sharing library events with neighbors helps more people discover what is available.
A Winter Reading Challenge
Encourage reading in your household or neighborhood with a simple challenge. Set a goal, such as reading a certain number of books by the end of February. Visit the library together, share recommendations and celebrate milestones. Pair it with a book drive so readers can pass along favorites to others.
Support Reading in Many Languages
Greater Boston and many New England communities are home to families who speak Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabic, Cape Verdean Creole and many other languages. Books in a child’s home language help families read together and support learning in both languages. If your recipient organization serves multilingual families, ask whether it would welcome new or like-new books in specific languages, including bilingual picture books. Libraries can often suggest titles and may also need volunteers who can read aloud in languages other than English.
Quick check: Why should you confirm a recipient’s needs before running a book drive?
- Because most programs accept any book in any condition.
- Because many organizations already receive more books than they can use and need specific types.
- Because books cannot be recycled.
Show answer
B. Confirming needs ensures donated books are wanted and will reach readers instead of going to waste.
