The Pencil Box (formerly the PENCIL Resource Bank) is an easy way for you to enhance the learning environment of students in New York City public schools. Donations include books, musical instruments, computers, furniture, science equipment, and art supplies are among the resources frequently in demand. For further information visit www.thepencilbox.org.
Tools4Schools takes donations of computer equipment, office furniture and office supplies and redistributes them to NYC Public Schools. To donate visit www.tollsforschoolsolutions.org or call (646) 548-9675.
Computers for Youth works to improve children’s learning environment at home by enhance the education resources available in children’s homes, improving parent-child interaction around learning at home and assist teachers in connecting classroom learning with the home. To donate computers visit www.cfy.org or call (212) 563-7300.
National Christina Foundation recycles and/or refurbishes computers in working condition, and then places them with educational and nonprofit organizations. This organization arranges for the pick-up of donated goods by a not-for-profit organization that it partners with. For more information visit www.cristina.org or call (203) 863-9100.
Non-Profit Computing Inc. serves as a clearinghouse for computers, office furnishings and equipment by matching donors with nonprofit recipients such as educational institutions and government agencies. They accept older IBM or other compatible PCs, as well as Apples. To donate call (212) 759-2368 or email german63@hotmail.com.
Per Scholas brings computers and technology to technology-deprived children and families at low costs, trains disadvantaged community residents to become computer technicians; and properly recycles old or outdated computer equipment. For more information call (718) 772-0631 or email dhoward@perscholas.org.
Children for Children facilitates youth volunteering to teach children the importance of community involvement, in particular providing resources to schools. To donate children’s books from Kindergarten through high school reading level, contact Rebecca at Rebecca@childrenforchildren.org or by phone at (212) 850-4170
Help USA provides shelter and support service, including job training programs and domestic violence shelters, to homeless and low-income families. They also redistribute book and school supplies to programs assisting homeless children and families. For more information call (212) 400-7000 ext. 7013 or visit www.helpusa.org
Housing Works Used Book Cafe. is an support program for homeless or people with AIDS/HIV which raises more by selling donated books. All types of books are welcome, except for text books and travel books. For further information, please call (212) 334-3324 or visit www.housingworks.org/usedbookcafe
New York Public Library For more info, contact your local branch www.nypl.org/branch
It is important to contact these groups beforehand to determine what kind of books they take. Almost all of these will only accept new or gently used items.
Goodwill Industries
Fulton Store
1100-1104 Fulton Street
Brooklyn, NY 11238
718.789.0856
Cooper Park Community Center
76 Kingsland Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718.383.5292
Livingston Store
258 Livingston Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718.923.9037
Spoonbill & Sugartown Books
218 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718.387.7322
www.spoonbillbooks.com
NYC Books through Bars
123 Columbia Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
212.254.3697 ext. 26 (voicemail)
www.booksthroughbarsnyc.org
Brooklyn Bureau of Community Service
(new books only)
285 Schermerhorn Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217
718.310.5600
www.wearebcs.org
Housing Works
Brooklyn Thrift Shop
122 Montague Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718.237.0521
www.housingworks.org/locations/category/thrift-shops
Brooklyn Salvation Army Thrift Stores
Contact your local thrift store for information about book donations.
3718 Nostrand Avenue, between Avenue X & Avenue Y
718.648.8930
6822 3rd Avenue, between 67th Street & 68th Street
718.833.6894
(non-library books only)
436 Atlantic Avenue, between Bond Street & Nevins Street
718.834.1562
22 Quincy Street, between Downing Street & Classon Avenue
718.622.5686
176 Bedford Avenue, corner of North 7th Street
718.388.9249
981 Manhattan Avenue, between India Street & Huron Street
718.383.5005
American Library Association
The American Library Association maintains a list of places that accept donations. These can be found at:
http://www.delicious.com/alalibrary/bookdonations