We welcome donations of new and gently used books, magazines, and audio-visual materials. All donated items will be given to the Friends of the Public Library, and volunteers will decide whether to sell them in the Bookstore. Proceeds from the Bookstore are used to support events and services offered by the library. While donated materials are sometimes used to enhance the library collection, acceptance of donations does not guarantee the inclusion of the materials in the collection. The library participates in the Sustainable Shelves Program, a program that helps libraries dispose of unwanted books, either by reselling or responsibly recycling, in exchange for credit that allows us to add new materials to the library.

Guidelines:
  • Donations must be in acceptable physical condition. The publication date should be within the past ten (10) years unless the item has local/state information.The following types of materials will not be accepted:

    • Items with evidence of odor, mold, or mildew

    • Items with stains, yellowed or torn pages (exception: rare books)

    • Books that have writing or underlining

    • Books that have broken spines

    • Items that are damp and/or musty or water damaged

    • Encyclopedias, unless in exceptionally good condition, leather bound, etc.

    • Textbooks

  • Donations of local history materials are encouraged. Yearbooks of Pasadena high schools are especially desirable.
  • Donations should be brought to the receiving door located in the Technical Services Department at the Central Library Monday - Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM. On Saturdays and on weekdays after 4 PM, they may be accepted at the Help Desk. At the Fairmont Branch, item donations are accepted during open hours. 
  • For more information, call 713-475-4857.