Book Donations

 General Guidelines for Donating

  • Donation Size: Only 2 boxes (banker box size) or 4 bags (paper or plastic) will be accepted at one time.  For larger donations, please call (650) 522-7802 or email Maria Gomez-Valverde, Community Services Coordinator, at mgomezvalverde@cityofsanmateo.org to schedule an appointment.
  • Please deposit donations near the Friends of the Library office in the Main Library Lobby during regular library service hours.
  • If you need help to move your donation from your car, you may request a book cart at the Accounts Desk.
  • We cannot provide home pick-up.
  • It is the donor's responsibility to count materials for which you wish to have a receipt. We suggest you count all items before bringing them in for donation.
  • Receipt Forms are available from the Welcome Desk or the Accounts Desk. Although we are unable to place a monetary value on your donation, you may use our form as a receipt for tax purposes.

The Friends of the Library is pleased to accept donations of the following in new or slightly used and clean condition:

  • Fiction and Non-fiction (Paperback and Hardcover)
  • Children's Books
  • DVDs/Blu-Rays
  • Music CDs (all types)
  • Books on CD (Audiobooks)
  • Textbooks less than 3 years old with clean, unmarked pages

We CANNOT and Will Not Accept the Following Items

  • Anything that has mold/mildew, water damage, excess dust or dirt, broken spines or significant tears, missing covers or pages.
  • Newspapers, Magazines, or Catalogs
  • Workbooks or Course Packets
  • Encyclopedias
  • Crossword puzzles
  • VHS tapes, Vinyl records, or Cassettes