FAQ2021-09-11T19:52:18-05:00

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Please contact us if your question is not answered here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the books free?2020-03-21T14:42:52-05:00

Yes! Absolutely free! No strings attached. Take as many as you want!

What’s the catch?2021-08-03T00:28:34-05:00

All the books have been stamped “not for resale” and are not to be resold. We mean it. Please honor this request.

Is there a limit to how many books I can take?2020-03-21T14:42:54-05:00

You can only take 150,000 per day, per person. If you are working with an organization that needs a large amount of books, make sure to contact us before coming in. We’re happy to help, but large orders require planning and coordination.

When are you open?2021-09-11T19:51:17-05:00

We are open to the public once per month for a weekend book giveaway. We post dates, hours, and event details in the “News” section of our website and on our Facebook page.

Where do you get all of your books?2020-03-21T14:42:55-05:00

We get them from businesses, organizations, and your individual donations.

How can I help?2020-03-21T14:42:56-05:00

Become a volunteer! Fulfill a need listed on our wish list! Donate funds through our website! Spread the word about The Book Thing around your community! We truly appreciate any type of support.

Can I give you books?2022-10-23T19:07:53-05:00

Yes, please… and thank you!  Please see the Donate page for information about how to donate.

Can I bring back books I got from you?2022-10-23T19:20:53-05:00

We’d rather you didn’t. Pass them along! Give them to your neighbors, restock a Little Free Library box, leave them at a bus stop or a laundromat… Spread the books to people who might not know to come to us.

I’m not in Baltimore, can I ship books to The Book Thing?2020-03-21T14:42:59-05:00

Your first step should always be to look for a place to donate in your area. However, if you’re convinced that The Book Thing should be the recipient, ship the books to 3001 Vineyard Lane in Baltimore, MD 21218.

Are donations tax-deductible?2022-10-23T19:12:36-05:00

All donations are tax-deductible.  We can provide a donation receipt on request reflecting the number of books donated.  We also issue receipts for financial donations.

Do you sell any of the donated books?2022-10-23T19:16:26-05:00

Yes, but only a very tiny fraction, like 1-2%, to help keep the lights on.

Didn’t you close down for a while?2020-03-21T14:43:00-05:00

Yes, unfortunately. A fire shut us down for more than a year, but we’ve rebuilt. Come see the new space!

Do you have __________ by __________ from the year _________?2022-10-23T19:18:24-05:00

Maybe? We move such a large volume of books that it is difficult for us to keep track of what we have. Come look for yourself! Our volunteers can point you in the right direction. Besides, the search is half the fun – who knows what else you might find!

How can I volunteer?2022-10-23T19:02:10-05:00

Thank you for your interest!  Please visit the our Volunteer page for more information.

…and the books are free?2020-03-21T14:43:04-05:00

Yes! Absolutely free!

OUR WISHLIST

You can also help the Book Thing by providing any items on our wish list. We are also looking for any old Book Thing photographs!

Our Location

3001 Vineyard Lane
Baltimore, MD 21218
410.662.5631
[email protected]

Go to Top