Donating Your Used Books

How it works: Have books in good, readable condition you don't want anymore? We'd like to offer you a credit to our stores in Manchester and Saratoga in return for your gently-loved books.

Please note: effective 7/26/2023, we will no longer be accepting children's books for used book donations. Any children's books donated will not be considered for store credit and will be recycled.

So what do I do? We'll accept 1 small, stackable box of books per month from each customer. We ask that these books be sealed and lightly packed so that they can be easily lifted. A box previously used for a case of wine, old packaging from an online retailer, copier paper boxes, bank boxes are all ideal.

When can I drop them off? Your box can be dropped off at any time during store hours, 10-6 daily.

How much will my credit be? Your credit varies depending on condition and desirability.

Books are valued as follows:

  • Mass-market paperbacks: .25 - .75 (we ask that these be mysteries, scifi or romance ONLY please)
  • Trade paperbacks: .75 – $2.00
  • Hardcovers: $2.00 – $5.00
  • Autographed by author: $10.00+

Be advised: The value of your book depends on consumer demand. No matter how loved, not every book is a goldmine. We can't accept every book regardless of the condition.

What can I use my credit on? Your credit can be spent on anything in the store, or online at northshire.com. Our booksellers can locate your credit using your name or Rewards account.

When will I hear from you? Processing books can take anywhere from two to eight weeks.

What happens to the books you don't take? These are donated to local library sales or are recycled.

Can I drop-off books in Saratoga? We only accept used book donations at our Manchester store. Your credit will be good for use at both stores.

Can I get my books back? Unfortunately, no.

We DO NOT accept  damp, dirty, moldy, foxed, underlined or highlighted books. We do not accept books on antiques. We don't accept most cookbooks, textbooks, travel guides, diet books, computer or business books. We do not accept books without dust jackets. We do not accept encyclopedias, Time-Life, or Reader's Digest.

How can I reach you? Please email UsedBooks@northshire.com