By Stacey Zwald Costello, Library Director
The Colusa County Free Library deeply appreciates the generosity of community members who wish to donate books. Every year, residents share hundreds of items in the hope that they might find new readers through the library’s shelves. However, not all donated materials can be added to the library’s circulating collection. Understanding what types of books are most useful helps ensure that your donations truly benefit the community.
The books most likely to be added to our shelves are newer, high-quality hardbacks and lightly used paperbacks, particularly recent fiction and nonfiction titles; children’s books in excellent condition; and works by popular authors. These items meet current collection standards, are appealing to borrowers, and can withstand frequent handling. If a donated book looks nearly new and was published within the last few years, it’s probably a great fit for the library.
On the other hand, items such as old encyclopedias, outdated textbooks, or worn, yellowed paperbacks can’t be placed into circulation. Once materials are damaged, heavily marked, or more than a decade out of date (especially in subjects like health, law, or travel), they no longer meet library quality or accuracy standards. While the sentiment behind these donations is sincerely appreciated, processing and discarding unusable materials take valuable staff time and resources that could otherwise support programs, new books, and community services.
If you have older or well-loved books, we encourage you to share them in other meaningful ways. Used bookstores, thrift shops, senior centers, or Little Free Libraries are wonderful places for these items to find new homes. Many of these organizations sell donated books to support local causes or simply help keep good stories circulating in the community. In fact, the Friends of the Colusa County Free Library operate a used bookstore, The Bookworm, offering a wide selection of gently used books priced between $0.25 and $1.00. Every purchase directly supports the Colusa County Free Library, helping fund programs, resources, and services for the community.
Before bringing donations, please call your local library branch to schedule a drop-off time. Staff can let you know what items are currently being accepted and ensure someone is available to receive them properly. We kindly ask that you do not leave boxes or bags of books in the outdoor book drops, on the front steps, or behind the building. When items are left outside, they can be damaged by moisture, heat, or pests, and sometimes stolen. Once exposed to damp conditions, books often become unsalvageable and must be discarded. Scheduling your donation helps protect your gift, keeps our facilities clean and safe, and ensures your contribution truly benefits the library and our readers.
By donating thoughtfully, you help the library maintain a vibrant, up-to-date, and well-loved collection that reflects the interests and needs of our readers. We’re grateful for your continued support and partnership in keeping the Colusa County Free Library a place where everyone can explore, learn, and connect through books in excellent condition, ready to be enjoyed again and again.