If your bookshelves are overflowing and you're looking for a meaningful way to clear space, donating your used books is one of the best options. Whether you're downsizing, decluttering, or simply giving your books a second life, McKinney, TX has plenty of worthy places that will gladly take them off your hands. Here's your complete guide to where and how to donate used books in McKinney.
Why Donate Used Books?
Before diving into where to donate, let’s talk about the why. Donating books helps:
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Promote literacy in the community
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Keep books out of landfills
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Support nonprofit missions and education initiatives
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Give others the joy of reading affordably or for free
Instead of letting your used books collect dust, share the stories with someone who will treasure them.
1. Used Book Depot (Local Hero)
Address: Online or visit our local partners in McKinney, TX
Website: usedbookdepot.com
At Used Book Depot, we make it easy to donate your gently used books. As a local online bookstore, we specialize in reselling and redistributing secondhand books at affordable prices. Your donations help us:
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Support affordable reading for families and students
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Rehome pre-loved books with enthusiastic readers
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Reduce waste by keeping books in circulation
How to Donate:
You can either drop books off at one of our partner locations (check our site for updates) or contact us directly for large volume pickups in the McKinney area.
What We Accept: Fiction, nonfiction, textbooks, children’s books, cookbooks, and more. Books should be in good condition.
2. McKinney Public Library System
Address: 101 E Hunt St, McKinney, TX 75069
Phone: (972) 547-7323
The McKinney Public Library occasionally accepts book donations for their book sales and community programs. These donations help fund new materials and services for the library.
How to Donate:
Call ahead or check their website to confirm current donation policies and hours.
Tip: Books that the library cannot add to its collection may be sold to raise funds.
3. Salvation Army McKinney Corps Community Center
Address: 600 Wilson Creek Pkwy, McKinney, TX 75069
Phone: (972) 542-6694
Website: salvationarmyntx.org
The Salvation Army in McKinney offers vital community services including shelter, food programs, and emergency assistance for local families in need.
Donation Info:
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May accept limited in-kind donations such as new books or educational materials
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Monetary donations are encouraged to support their local programs
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Always call ahead to confirm what types of donations are currently accepted
Support Tip:
New children’s books and school supplies are often helpful and appreciated.
4. Friends of the McKinney Public Library
Location: Coordinated through the McKinney Library branches
Website: mckinneyplf.org/donate
The “Friends of the Library” group supports the McKinney Public Library through volunteer work, fundraising, and community book sales. They welcome book donations to stock ongoing sales and events.
Why Donate Here?
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Helps expand public access to books
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Supports library programs, events, and collections
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Great place to donate books that may not fit current library shelves
Tip: Ideal for donating fiction, nonfiction, children's books, and recent bestsellers.
5. Little Free Libraries
Scattered throughout McKinney neighborhoods, Little Free Libraries are small outdoor book exchanges where you can “take a book, leave a book.”
How It Works:
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Simply place your used books in the box for others to enjoy
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No formal process or paperwork
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Great for children’s books and casual reads
Find One Near You: Visit littlefreelibrary.org and search by ZIP code.
6. Local Schools and Classrooms
Many teachers in McKinney are grateful for donated books to build their classroom libraries.
Who to Contact:
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Reach out to McKinney ISD schools directly
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Ask if teachers need specific genres or age levels
Children’s books, early readers, and young adult novels are especially welcome.
Tips for Donating Books
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Check Condition: No moldy, torn, or heavily marked books.
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Sort by Category: Helps recipients organize quickly.
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Call Ahead: Some places have limits or temporary pauses on donations.
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Include a Note: Especially for personal or rare books, a note can make the donation more meaningful.
Giving Back, One Page at a Time
McKinney is a community that values books, education, and generosity. Whether you drop off a single paperback or boxes of novels, your donations make a real difference. Donating used books is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to support local literacy efforts, reduce waste, and connect with fellow book lovers.
📍 Ready to Donate?
Visit Used Book Depot to learn more or schedule a local pickup. Let your books live on in the hands of new readers. Together, we can turn every donated page into a new chapter.
