What do you do if you have a generous heart and some new or very gently used books, DVDs, videos, or CDs that you don’t need?

Of course, you should donate them to your local branch’s Friends of the Library, who gratefully accept these items at donation bins in all library locations.

But here is a tougher question — What do you do if you have a generous heart and some gently used magazines, National Geographic issues, encyclopedias, or textbooks that you don’t need?

The answer is that unfortunately, the library and its Friends groups cannot accept donations of magazines, including National Geographic; encyclopedias; or textbooks.

So, where can you donate these kinds of items, especially if you prefer that they be re-used rather than simply recycled?

Here is a list of organizations in the local area that may accept donations in these categories — provided that the items are in good condition. This list was compiled by searching recyclestuff.org. Please call each organization before donating, since it may no longer accept the kind of donation you are planning to give.

Magazines:

•Friends Outside in Santa Clara County - (408) 468-0100

•Saratoga Library Friends - (408) 867-6126

•St. Elizabeth's Day Home - (408) 295-3456

•Yu-Ai Kai/ Japanese American Senior Services - (408) 294-2505

National Geographic Magazine:

•Boys and Girls Club of Silicon Valley - (408) 957-9685

•Yu-Ai Kai/ Japanese American Senior Services - (408) 294-2505

Encyclopedias:

•Friends Outside in Santa Clara County - (408) 468-0100

•Friendship Church of God in Christ - (408) 258-5445

•Savers Thrift Store - (408) 287-0591

•St. Elizabeth's Day Home - (408) 295-3456

Textbooks:

•Goodwill - Donation Center - (408) 998-5774 ex248

•Goodwill - Retail Store - (408) 265-5692

•Salvation Army - (408) 286-3291

•Savers Thrift Store - (408) 287-0591
Note: The Friends of the Pearl Avenue Library, Friends of the Seventrees Library, and Friends of the Hillview Library will take gently used textbooks.

For where to donate other items that the Friends of the Library cannot accept, you can search the recyclestuff.org database yourself. Like, where can I donate my dust-accumulating classic computing books from the 1970’s?