Book Drives for BookSmiles
Book drives are an integral part of our mission. Without the support of individuals, schools, businesses, and community groups, we would not be able to provide books to the children we serve.
For helpful tips, resources, and printable signage, please visit our Book Drive Guide.
Important Pickup Information
To make the best use of our limited transportation resources, BookSmiles can only schedule box truck pickups for book drives that collect more than 5,000 books (approximately 200 packed boxes).
Our pickup service is intended for large-scale community book drives and should not include substantial quantities of weeded library materials, outdated reference books, outdated curriculum materials, or encyclopedias.
For drives collecting fewer than 5,000 books, we ask organizers to arrange delivery to the BookSmiles Book Bank. School districts, municipalities, community organizations, and parent volunteers often work together to transport donations using personal or organizational vehicles.
Donation deliveries can be made during our business hours:
Please contact us before launching your drive if you anticipate collecting more than 5,000 books and would like to discuss pickup arrangements.
Contact [email protected]
For helpful tips, resources, and printable signage, please visit our Book Drive Guide.
Important Pickup Information
To make the best use of our limited transportation resources, BookSmiles can only schedule box truck pickups for book drives that collect more than 5,000 books (approximately 200 packed boxes).
Our pickup service is intended for large-scale community book drives and should not include substantial quantities of weeded library materials, outdated reference books, outdated curriculum materials, or encyclopedias.
For drives collecting fewer than 5,000 books, we ask organizers to arrange delivery to the BookSmiles Book Bank. School districts, municipalities, community organizations, and parent volunteers often work together to transport donations using personal or organizational vehicles.
Donation deliveries can be made during our business hours:
- Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
Please contact us before launching your drive if you anticipate collecting more than 5,000 books and would like to discuss pickup arrangements.
Contact [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Can Hold a Book Drive?
Anyone can! Some of our most successful book drives have been organized by children, with several collecting more than 1,000 books for BookSmiles. Schools, businesses, community groups, faith organizations, and neighborhoods also host drives that help us collect thousands of books each year.
Looking for a meaningful summer project? Organize a neighborhood book drive and rally friends and family to collect books.
Every book collected helps us put more reading material into the hands of children who need it most.
What do I need to hold a book drive?
Getting started is easy! All you need is a collection container and a way to spread the word.
A plastic storage tote, several large boxes, or a designated collection area can work perfectly. For high-traffic locations, BookSmiles may be able to provide one of our signature art collection bins, subject to availability.
Have questions or need help planning your drive? Contact [email protected] and we'll help you create a successful collection campaign.
What types of books does BookSmiles accept?
We welcome new and gently used books for readers of all ages, including:
📚 Infant, children's, teen, and adult books
📚 Fiction and non-fiction
📚 Dictionaries, encyclopedias, and magazine collections
📚 Antiquarian, collectible books, cookbooks, religious, textbooks...ALL BOOKS!
Not sure whether a donation is appropriate? Reach out and we'll be happy to help.
How long should I hold my book drive?
Most book drives run for about one month, giving participants time to hear about the drive, gather books from their homes, and make their donations.
Looking for a longer-term opportunity? Many schools, businesses, and community organizations serve as permanent donation stations and collect hundreds of books throughout the year.
How do I promote my book drive?
The more people who know about your drive, the more books you'll collect!
Visit our Book Drive Guide for downloadable flyers, signs, social media graphics, and helpful tips.
Need something custom? Contact [email protected] and she'll work with you to create promotional materials that fit your audience and goals.
What do I do when my drive is over?
Once your collection is complete, simply pack the books into sturdy bags or boxes that are easy to lift and transport.
Donations can be delivered during open hours to:
BookSmiles Book Bank
7300 N. Crescent Blvd., Unit 10
Pennsauken, NJ 08110
For book drives that collect more than 5,000 books (approximately 200 packed boxes) in South Jersey or the Philadelphia region, our box truck may be available for pickup. Please contact us before launching your drive to discuss pickup arrangements.
Ready to Get Started?
Every book you collect helps put reading materials into the hands of children, educators, and families who need them most. Thank you for helping us give books a second life and create more smiles through literacy.
