Donating Books

This innovative RRSC program distributes new and gently used books to children across Story County.

What Books Do We Accept?

Raising Readers in Story County accepts new or gently used books for children birth through Middle School.

Examples of books we take:

• Board - even with a chew mark or two

• Picture - hardback or paperback

• Beginner Readers

• Early Chapter

• Chapter

What Books Do We NOT Accept?

• TV guides or Consumer reports

• Text books

• Magazines

• Religious materials

What Do We Do with Books Donated to Us?

New books: These books are distributed to children and their caregivers through programs, events, and our open hours at Raising Readers in Story County’s office.

Gently used books: Almost new books are used in our Community Bookshelves program. These are located in food pantries, medical clinics, and laundromats across Story County. Children are welcome to take these books home after using them at those spaces.

Less gently used books: Our most “loved” books go into Little Free Libraries in every community in Story County. In 2023, over 8,000 books were shared with our residence through Little Free Libraries!

Host a Book Drive Party!

• Plan a Raising Readers Book Drive Party for your book club, service group, office, 4H, Camp Fire, Boy Scouts, elementary classroom, sorority or fraternity holiday party.

• Request books, one for you and one for Raising Readers, at your baby shower or child's birthday party. 

• Invite guests to bring a children's book or contribution to be donated to Raising Readers.

• Books can be dropped off at our office at the North Grand Mall location. 

• Take a picture of your book drive with your group and email photos to laurageake@raising-readers.org.