Where to Donate Books in Huntsville, Alabama

Start Here: What Kind of Books Do You Have?

Before choosing a destination, spend one minute answering this question, because it will save you time and ensure the books end up where they will do the most good.

If your collection is primarily fiction, popular paperbacks, children's books, or a general mix, most of the options below will work well. The library book sale and Goodwill are both solid choices, and either will take the books quickly and without hassle.

If your collection is primarily serious non-fiction — academic textbooks, theology and biblical studies, professional reference books, history, biography, law, medicine, or science — these books may have more value than a thrift store is equipped to recognize. Read through all the options before deciding, and consider a photo review with a specialized dealer before dropping them off anywhere. It takes five minutes and could make a meaningful difference in where the books end up.

Most large collections contain a mix of both. The decision table at the end of this article will help you sort them quickly.

The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (HMCPL) Friends of the Library

The Friends of the Library organization is one of the best donation options in Huntsville for general book collections. They operate three used bookstore locations at HMCPL branch libraries and accept donations of gently used books throughout the year. Proceeds go directly back to supporting the library system.

Downtown Huntsville Location

This is the largest and most capable of the three stores and the best destination for substantial donations. It is staffed with a dedicated team that prices incoming books. If you have a significant collection and want it to go to the Friends of the Library, start here. Confirm current drop-off hours before visiting.

South Huntsville Location

The South Huntsville location is mid-sized and can generally accommodate medium to large donations. If you are planning to bring more than a few boxes, it is worth calling ahead to confirm capacity.

Madison Location

The Madison location is the smallest and has the most limited storage capacity. It frequently limits or temporarily suspends donations when space is tight. Call ahead before making the trip with a large collection. For current hours and contact information, visit hmcpl.org.

General Thrift Stores: Goodwill, America's Thrift, and Neighborhood Thrift Store

For many general collections, thrift stores offer a quick and convenient donation option. Goodwill and America's Thrift both accept book donations at their drop-off centers, process books quickly, and put them on the shelf at $1–$3 each. No appointment needed, no sorting required.

These are not the right fit for a serious academic or professional library. A collection of theological commentaries will be priced and shelved the same as everything else. Neighborhood Thrift Store on University Drive is another local option that operates similarly.

Animal Rescue Thrift Stores

A New Leash on Life operates three locations (Andrew Jackson Way, Hwy 431 South, and Slaughter Road in Madison) and supports animal rescue and adoption. Three Tails ReSale (Pratt Avenue) and SNAP (Bob Wallace Avenue) also accept book donations and benefit local animal welfare organizations. Check their websites or call ahead for current hours and policies.

The Saving Way

Operated by His Way Recovery Center, a local Christian nonprofit, The Saving Way directly supports recovery and rehabilitation programs in the Huntsville community. They offer free donation pickups — call (256) 503-4404 to schedule.

Downtown Rescue Mission

The Downtown Rescue Mission operates five Bargain Center thrift store locations and accepts book donations Monday through Saturday, 9 AM to 4 PM. They also offer free donation pickups at downtownrescuemission.org. Proceeds fund local food, shelter, and recovery services.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army accepts book donations as part of their general merchandise intake. For general mixed collections it is a solid alternative to Goodwill. If you are bringing more than two or three boxes, call ahead as their book capacity is smaller.

Booklegger Used Books

Booklegger has been Huntsville's best used bookstore since 1985. Located on Holmes Avenue, they buy used books for store credit and accept donations of titles they cannot purchase. Their trade and donation policy is available at booklegger.net/trade. Confirm current hours before visiting.

2nd & Charles

2nd & Charles (University Drive) buys books for cash. Their buyback offers tend to be low, but for popular titles in excellent condition it may be worth a visit. For academic or theological collections, it is not the right fit.

North Alabama Book Exchange

North Alabama Book Exchange specializes exclusively in quality non-fiction. The process begins with photos — no sorting, no boxing, no cataloging required. Submit through the form below. We review every submission personally and respond within a day. If the collection is a good fit, we arrange pickup at no cost. If not, we will tell you honestly and point you toward a better option.

Quick Reference: Matching Your Collection to the Right Option

One Final Thought

The most common mistake people make is defaulting immediately to the nearest thrift store without considering whether the collection deserves a more careful look. For most collections, Goodwill or the library book sale is genuinely the right answer. But for collections built by professors, preachers, attorneys, or serious lifelong readers, a quick photo review can make a meaningful difference in where the books end up.

North Alabama Book Exchange serves Huntsville, Madison County, Athens, Decatur, Scottsboro, Florence, Cullman, Birmingham, and surrounding North Alabama communities.