Donating new/old books is one of the easiest ways to share knowledge and give back to the community. Whether you have textbooks from previous semesters, novels you’ve already read, or children’s books your kids have outgrown, BookMandee makes it simple to find someone who will value them.
This guide answers the most common questions from donors – from how to list your books as free, to choosing who gets them and ensuring they reach the right hands. If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t want to throw these books away, but who will use them?”, this is your one-stop resource.
Getting Started with Book Donations
How do I donate books on BookMandee?
Donating is simple. Create a listing/book-ad just like you do to sell old books, but set the price as ₹0 and mention ‘Free/Donation’ in the description. Add details like book condition and subject. Once checked/approved by our team, interested recipients can contact you to collect the book.
You can also mention if you prefer pickup only or are open to courier/delivery.
Do I need a seller account to donate books?
Yes, you need to create a free user account. This allows you to list books and communicate with recipients securely. It’s the same account you would use if you were selling or buying books here.
Is there a separate process for donations compared to selling?
The only difference is the price. For donations, you simply mark the price as ₹0. Everything else (adding descriptions, and connecting with people) works the same.
Can I donate multiple books at once?
Yes, you can list multiple books in a single listing as a ‘bundle’ or create separate listings for each book. Bundles work well for school textbooks or sets of novels. You can mention something like – ‘All books to be taken together’ in the description if you want them given out as a set.
What kinds of books can I donate?
You can donate almost any kind of book – academic textbooks, competitive exam guides, children’s books, novels, comics, or magazines. Ensure they’re in usable condition (no missing pages or badly damaged copies).
Are magazines or comics allowed as donations?
Magazines, comics, and even educational booklets can be donated. Just ensure they are complete and in decent condition so someone else can benefit from them.
Do I need to upload photos for donated books?
Not really. However, a detailed description of the books is strongly recommended, even for free items. They help recipients understand the book’s condition and make quicker decisions.
Can I donate new books as well?
Yes, you can donate both new and used books. Many donors buy extra copies specifically for donation purposes, and new books are highly appreciated by schools, NGOs, and students.
Is donating books free of cost on BookMandee?
Yes, donating books via BookMandee is absolutely free. There are no listing or platform charges. You only bear the cost of delivery if you choose to ship the books instead of handing them over in person.
Can I choose to donate anonymously?
Currently, BookMandee requires donor details to coordinate pickup, but you can choose not to display your personal number and handle all communication via the in-platform messaging system.
Choosing Who Gets Your Books
Can I decide who gets my donated books?
Yes, as a donor, you can choose who receives your books. Once people contact you, you can ask about their purpose (e.g., student, NGO, library) and decide whom to give them to. There is no obligation to give to the first person who messages.
You can also mention in the listing if you prefer to donate to specific groups like ‘students only’ or ‘NGOs’.
How do I know if someone really needs the book?
You can ask a simple question when they contact you: “How will you use this book?”
Genuine recipients will usually respond honestly (e.g., for exam prep, school use, or NGO reading programs). If unsure, trust your instincts and look for those who seem genuine and polite.
Can I give preference to students, NGOs, or libraries?
Many donors choose to support students or institutions. You can mention this preference in your listing description (e.g., ‘Priority to students preparing for competitive exams’). This helps attract the right people.
What if multiple people want the same donated book?
You can choose based on your preference, first-come-first-served, or even bundle books for multiple recipients. Just be transparent and update others once the book is taken. You can then delete the listing after donation to avoid repeated inquiries.
Can I donate to a school or NGO directly through BookMandee?
Yes, many NGOs and schools actively look for donated books. You can search for such recipients or mention ‘For NGOs/Institutions only’ in your listing.
Do I have to meet the recipient in person?
It’s up to you. Many donors prefer handing over books personally, but you can also leave them with a building guard, reception desk, or send via courier if the meeting isn’t convenient.
Can I send donated books by courier?
Yes, you can courier books if you’re comfortable paying the delivery charges or if the recipient agrees to cover them. Just pack them securely to avoid damage in transit.
Can I bundle several free books together for one recipient?
Bundling is great when you want to clear space or give related books (e.g., a whole syllabus set or all novels of a series) to one person who can use them fully.
What if I don’t want to deal with individual inquiries for different books in a bundle?
You can state in your listing that the books are available as one lot and will be given to a single recipient. Alternatively, consider donating directly to an NGO or library to save your time and avoid multiple meetups.
Is there a ‘first come, first served’ rule for free books?
No, there’s no strict rule. It’s completely your choice as a donor to decide who receives the books. While many donors choose first-come-first-served, you can also prioritise based on need or location.
Logistics and Safety for Donors
Do I have to pay for delivery when donating books?
Not necessarily. If the recipient is picking up the books from you, there’s no delivery cost. If you choose to courier or ship them, you can either cover the charges yourself or request the recipient to pay for delivery.
Pro Tip: Mention delivery terms clearly in your listing to avoid confusion later.
Can recipients pick up books from my home?
Yes, but only if you are comfortable. Many donors prefer recipients to pick up books from their homes, building lobbies, or workplaces. If you’re not comfortable sharing your home address, choose a neutral public location nearby.
Where is the safest place to hand over donated books?
Public places like cafés, metro stations, or community centres are quite safe. They ensure convenience for both parties and reduce safety concerns.
Should I share my contact number with recipients?
You can communicate within BookMandee’s messaging system without sharing your personal number initially. Share your number only if required for coordination, and avoid sharing unnecessary personal details.
How do I avoid no-shows?
Confirm time and location on the day of pickup. A quick message like ‘See you at 5 PM near XYZ Metro Gate’ helps avoid miscommunication. If someone doesn’t show up, feel free to move on to the next interested recipient.
What if I feel unsafe meeting someone for book donation?
If you feel uncomfortable, cancel the meeting or choose a busy public location instead. You can also have a friend or family member accompany you.
Can I cancel a donation if I change my mind?
If circumstances change, simply inform interested recipients politely. Update your listing to reflect the change or mark it as unavailable.
Should I pack books before giving them away?
It’s not mandatory, but packing books in a simple paper bag protects them during transport and leaves a good impression on recipients.
What if a recipient resells my donated books?
Once donated, the books belong to the recipient, and BookMandee doesn’t control how they’re used. If you specifically want to donate for reading and not resale, you can mention ‘For personal/educational use only’ in your listing and choose recipients you feel confident about.
Can I request a photo or proof after donation?
Yes, you can politely ask for a photo or a short message confirming they received the books. Many recipients, especially NGOs and students, are happy to share this as a gesture of gratitude.
Impact & Beyond
How do I know my donation made an impact?
The best way is to stay connected with your recipient. Many donors receive thank-you messages or photos showing how the books are being used, especially when donated to NGOs or students.
Can I request feedback from the recipient?
Yes, you can politely ask for feedback or a quick note. It’s optional, but most recipients are happy to share how the books are helping them.
What types of books are most in demand for donations?
School textbooks, competitive exam guides, children’s books, and English/Hindi novels are usually in high demand. Books in regional languages are also appreciated by community libraries and NGOs.
Can I donate educational material like guides or question banks?
Study guides, question banks, and exam preparation books are highly valued by students, especially when donated before exam seasons.
How often can I donate?
There’s no limit. You can donate as frequently as you like, whether once a year during spring cleaning or monthly as your bookshelf evolves.
Is there a limit to how many books I can donate?
No, there’s no cap on quantity. Whether it’s a single novel or an entire library collection, you’re welcome to donate through BookMandee.
Related Sources & Guides
A complete guide for buyers on BookMandee, covering safe payments, finding books, and more.
Learn how sellers list and price their books – useful for donors who also sell occasionally.
Explore the categories that see the highest demand, perfect for deciding what to donate.
A quick guide to the best bookstores in Delhi, ideal for donors looking to support local reading communities.