How to Donate Books for Illiterate Adults
- 1). Find an adult literacy program near your home. To find a program, do an Internet search for "adult literacy programs" and the name of your location. Example: "adult literacy programs in Madison, Wisconsin." You may also contact your local library. Libraries often have lists of adult literacy and tutoring programs. You can also look on Craig's List and in your local newspaper to find adult literacy programs. Local colleges and universities are another good source.
- 2). Contact an adult literacy program. Ask about the program's specific needs. For example, the program may need fiction books, reference books or special interest books (cars, cooking or sports). Also ask about the reading level of the books that they need. Although a program may serve adults, the adults in the program may only read on an elementary level. Also, some adult programs service students whose first language is not English. In those cases, the program may require picture or lower level books.
- 3). Search through your own book collection or library. Choose books that match the program's needs.
- 4). Ask friends and/or co-workers to donate books from their libraries. Collect as many books as you can.
- 5). Pack the books in boxes for easy transport.
- 6). Decide if you want to claim your donation on your taxes. You will need to have this information ready before contacting the organization again.
- 7). Contact the director of the program to arrange a time and date to drop off your donation. Some locations may only be open on certain days or times, so make sure that someone will be there to accept your donation. If necessary, ask if the organization will provide a receipt for tax purposes.
- 8). Deliver the books to the location.
