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Donate Books & Movies

The Tewksbury Public Library encourages the interest and involvement of citizens and organizations in its service program through gifts of materials for collections, gifts that enhance the physical environment, and bequests, trusts, or donations of monetary and other assets for Library purposes. It is understood that gifts and bequests should not take place of public support or cost-effective use of the Library's budget but should enable the Library to provide and enhance services in ways not financially possible within the current annual operating budget.

The Tewksbury Public Library reserves the right to refuse any gift that the Library Director and Board of Library Trustees deem to be not in the best interest of the Library to accept. 

Material Donations
The Tewksbury Public Library accepts donations of individual items in EXCELLENT condition such as books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, or items in other formats according to the Library's Collection Development Policy. Items donated to the Library will be reviewed for possible addition to the Library's collections. Items not accepted into the collection are given to the Friends of the Tewksbury Public Library to be sold at one of the Friends of the Library book sale honor carts located in the Library's lobby. Items in poor condition will be discarded or recycled. 

The Library does NOT accept boxes of donations of encyclopedias, textbooks, yearbooks, damaged items, media items without the original cases, VHS tapes, out of date items, or donations of a large number of items.

If you have a few boxes or bags you wish to donate, the Friends of the Tewksbury Public Library schedule donation opportunities on a quarterly basis. These events will be posted on our Event Calendar and more information can be found at the Friends website here. 

Donations of other items, including furniture, computers, artwork, and other items, are subject to prior approval by the Library Director and the Board of Library Trustees.

Monetary Donations
The Tewksbury Public Library depends on the generosity of donors to fund the purchase of items not included in the Library budget. Donations may be in the form of securities or cash. They may be outright gifts, endowments, or trust funds. All donations are expended under the direction of the Library Director and the Board of Library Trustees. All donations are tax-deductible charitable contributions. To discuss making a donation to the Tewksbury Public Library, you may contact the Library Director at (978) 640-4490.

Recognition / Memorial Gifts
The Tewksbury Public Library accepts monetary gifts to commemorate a special event or person. By donating to the Library Gift Account, families have an opportunity to remember loved ones, celebrate a birth or life, and create a literary legacy that gives back to the entire community. Funds donated to the Library Gift Account will be used to purchase new materials for the Tewksbury Public Library collection. Families may designate a subject area special to the honoree and may also request special inscriptions on a book plate.

Donations to the Library Gift Account

  • To share the memory of a loved one (Donation cards for memorial gifts are available at the local funeral homes)
  • To celebrate a child's birthday each year;
  • To celebrate a special occasion; or
  • To thank the Tewksbury Public Library for its services

Valuation
The Tewksbury Public Library will provide a written acknowledgement of the receipt of gifts to the donor. Library staff members cannot provide a monetary valuation for items donated. Donors wishing to have an appraisal of their gifts done for tax purposes should do so prior to donation to the Library.

Where else can I donate my items?

Please note: If your books or magazines are in less than excellent condition, you can put them directly in your recycling bin.

  • Goodwill: Donation Center at 299 Chelmsford Street in Chelmsford
  • Savers (benefits the Epilepsy Foundation): 235 Main Street in Wilmington
    • Go to epilepsy.com to schedule a pickup of clothing, household items and more!
  • Habitat for Humanity REStore: 100 Chelmsford Road in Billerica

Other options (please call first!):

  • Local schools
  • Friends and family members
  • Other area libraries