Book Donations to the Dover Public Library

           Beginning in February 2020, the library will accept substantial donations of books (multiple boxes) on a twice-monthly basis only. Patrons with large loads of books are asked to call the library’s front desk at 603-516-6050 to make an appointment for either the 2^nd Tuesday from 9am to 12 Noon, or the 4^th Thursday from 1-4pm. (For February this would be February 11 from 9-12, or February 27 from 1-4).

          Donors will be asked to wait while library staff assess the contents of each box. Books and media items deemed not suitable will be returned to the donor for their disposal. Refused items will include:

·         encyclopedias and multi-volume sets (please, no World Books that “still look pretty”)

·         college textbooks (public libraries do not stock academic texts)

·         outdated books (e.g. computer books about Windows XP)

·         damaged books (dog-chewed cover)

·         inaccurate content (“someday man will land on the moon” c. 1962)

·         worn-out books

·         Reader’s Digest Condensed books

·         items showing mold, mildew, or having a strong odor (Yuck!)

·         VHS tapes, music or audio cassettes  (no one has these players anymore)

·         National Geographic magazines  (we have a full set already)

·         any other items as judged by staff (e.g. multiples of book titles already owned)

        We do still welcome smaller donations at any time. Patrons may donate hardcover books, paperbacks, DVDs, and CDs if brought to the front desk in a single bag or one small box. No need to call ahead or make an appointment. These items will, however, also be examined at the time of their donation for acceptability.

        Thank you for your understanding as we implement this new policy. In recent years, the library has been inundated with enormous numbers of donated books that, frankly, should have gone directly to the dump or the recycling center instead of being left with us.  We’ve had the burden of having to dispose of dozens of cartons of unwanted materials; this procedure is an attempt to control that load.

        Yes, books are precious in many instances, but many, many have outlived their usefulness, their accuracy, and their shelf life. If you no longer have a need for it, then it’s probable that no one else does either. Librarians want you to know that it’s not a sin to throw away a book!