I spy homes for used books

by Jo Mayer and Paul Crandall

Books are the plane, and the train, and the road.
They are the destination, and the journey.

They are home.

                  —Anna Quindlen, “How Reading Changed My Life”

Indeed, books do provide a kind of home for many readers. And after turning that final page, many start looking for a good home for the book.

While space constraints prevent Stockbridge Community Outreach from accepting books, readers looking for that next home for their books do have options.

Many are surprised to learn that Goodwill Industries accepts books. Goodwill has outlets in Chelsea, Jackson, Mason and other nearby locales.

Another potential destination for your book: The Friends of the Library groups serving various public libraries. It’s always a good idea to call ahead to determine how things work for a particular library and its Friends group.

The recent boom in “little libraries” provides yet another option.

Outreach volunteer and intrepid geo-caching aficionado Deanna Kruger recently focused her detective skills on finding all the little libraries available within the Stockbridge Community School District. She shared the list with us so we could share it with you.

Many of these little libraries display a plaque announcing their affiliation with Little Free Library (LFL)—a nonprofit organization based in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Thinking of setting up your own little library? The LFL equips, educates, and guides volunteer stewards in doing just that. Among the organization’s rules: the little library must be available to all and open 24/7.

Little libraries do more than connect people with new books; they also help connect people to each other. According to the LFL website, 72% of volunteer stewards have met more neighbors because of their Little Free Library.

More information is available on site at LittleFreeLibrary.org

Important note: Outreach clothing and household goods donations

As a reminder, Outreach is not accepting used clothes or household goods in November or December, with the exception of outer winter wear. We will re-open for these donations in mid-January.

Thank you for your understanding and support!