Can you tell me where I can dump off old books? I don’t want to throw them away, so any second-hand bookstore or charitable organization will do …

Most public library systems across the country accept donations of lightly used books. Each system varies in donation style and standards, but most will either incorporate the books into their current collection, or sell them during a fundraising book fair in order to raise funds to purchase new books.

Following are some quick links to area libraries.

DC Public Library
Arlington County Library
Alexandria Library (can’t find a page discussing donations)
Fairfax County Library
Prince George’s County
Mongomery County Library

If you want to send a little book love abroad, you can check out Books for Freedom.

You can go further than book donations and actually get involved in teaching someone to read the books. Both DC LEARNS and the Washington Literacy Council are local organizations committed to raising awareness of and providing services for literacy needs in the District. In the ‘burbs you can check out the Literacy Council’s of Northern Virginia or Prince George’s County.