The Lincoln Public Library and the Friends of the Lincoln Public Library are currently accepting donations.

How to donate

Small donations

Have just a few books or DVDs to donate? Bring these items to the front desk during our open hours.

Medium donations

Have 1-5 bags or boxes you wish to donate? Pull your car up to the staff entrance – it's near the 24/7 book returns. We accept donations at the staff entrance:

  • Monday-Wednesday and Saturday
  • 9 AM – 12 PM

Large donations

Cleaning out your house and have a lot of items to donate? Contact the Friends of the Lincoln Public Library to schedule a drop-off time.

Donation guidelines

What we accept

We only accept items in good condition. We accept the following formats:

  • Books, including paperbacks
  • Books on CD
  • CDs
  • DVDs

For books, we prefer:

  • Biographies and memoirs of popular and historic people
  • Children's books
  • Coffee table and art books
  • Cookbooks
  • Local interest books
  • Nonfiction and informational books that are current
  • Novels and popular fiction, especially newer releases and best sellers
  • Vintage books published before 1970, in good condition
  • Young adult novels

Questions about whether we'll accept your items? E-mail the Friends of the Lincoln Public Library or call them at 916-434-2404.

What we don't accept
  • Molding, damaged, or dirty items
  • Marked, underlined, and annotated items
  • Items with strong odors
  • Archival materials (such as maps or manuscripts)
  • Cassette tapes (music or audiobooks)
  • CDs and DVDs that are badly scratched or heavily used
  • Computer and software books that are out of date
  • Condensed books (such as Reader's Digest condensed volumes)
  • Encyclopedias
  • Historical documents not related to the greater Placer County region (Note: many historical documents are better donated to a historical society.)
  • Items clearly marked belonging to another organization
  • Magazines (including National Geographic)
  • Newspapers
  • Software CDs
  • Textbooks that are out of date or not used by WPUSD or Sierra College
  • VHS tapes
  • Vinyl and phonographic records

Questions about whether we'll accept your items? E-mail the Friends of the Lincoln Public Library or call them at 916-434-2404.

General guidelines

We review donated materials for addition to the Library collection. Items that are not added to the collection may be:

  • Sold or distributed by the Friends of the Lincoln Public Library
  • Given away
  • Recycled
  • Discarded

We can't guarantee items will be added to the collection, or that a large donation will remain together. We work to ensure that every donation supports the Library and our community.

For more information on how we handle donations, please read our Gift and Donation Policy.

Tax Deductions

Donated items are tax-deductible, as allowed by law. We will provide a receipt for donations upon request. We cannot assign a monetary value for your donation. Please contact your tax preparer with any questions about deductions.