About enrolling | Maximizing results | Good to know |
About enrolling
Request 25 books or more
Your institution's wishlist must contain at least 25 books. But there's no maximum limit. You're welcome to add as many books as you wish to your wishlist. It's a list that can accommodate all your wishes.
Individuals are ineligible
The Donate-A-Book program is only available to institutions such as libraries, schools, and nonprofits?organizations serving their communities. Individuals cannot participate in Donate-A-Book, but they can create standard Alibris wishlists and then share them with friends and family members.
Occasionally, Alibris will identify unique individuals or organizations who are allowed to participate in the program. To nominate an extraordinary individual or organization, you may e-mail us . We are sorry, but there is no guarantee that Alibris will reply to your request. Of course, you can always start a standard wishlist and share it with family and friends.
Organizations outside the United States
At this time, only organizations within the United States are eligible to enroll.
Tax ID number is required
Only organizations with valid federal tax identification numbers may apply and participate. We suggest that other entities create regular Alibris wishlists.
Maximizing results
Help patrons find your list
If your patrons have difficulty finding your wishlist, or if you want to be sure that they locate it in the first place, you may link them directly to your list via the Share a Wishlist page. To access that page, log in to your wishlist, and then click the Promote It to Donors link, which appears in the Share Your Wishlist box in the upper-right corner of your wishlist.
In addition, help your patrons to find your list by ensuring that your wishlist name is displayed as your patrons will be looking for it. You can adjust your wishlist name from the wishlist page itself when you are logged in to your wishlist account.
Publicize your wishlist
Getting the word out about your wishlist helps to ensure its success. Notify friends, patrons, and other potential donors via the Share a Wishlist page. To access that page, log in to your wishlist, and then click the Promote It to Donors link, which appears in the Share Your Wishlist box in the upper-right corner of your wishlist.
You may also alert your local media about your wishlist via our sample press release .
Update your wishlist often
Add new items to your wishlist as frequently as you wish. A fresh wishlist serves your organization better, so return to your wishlist often to keep it current.
Good to know
If you receive unwanted books
If you dislike a book you receive?because of condition or any other issues?please either discard it or find some other use for it, as books ordered through the Donate-A-Book program cannot be returned. We suggest that you also return to your wishlist and add additional items of interest to your list. Be sure that you mark the selection criteria for your wish to match your needs.
Legal responsibilities regarding donated books
Your organization should treat the books you receive as a result of your participation in the Donate-A-Book program as you would any other contribution to your organization.
Alibris is pleased to provide you with the tools you need, including donor contact and purchase information, to build a relationship with those who are interested in supporting you.
Please consult your tax professional with specific questions.
Multiple lists for one nonprofit
Different departments within the same organization may maintain separate Donate-A-Book wishlists. However, we encourage consolidation of lists whenever possible. Keeping one list per institution reduces the chances of confusion by your patrons. But if that isn't the best alternative for your organization, you may create separate lists as necessary. Please remember, however, that for each wishlist your institution establishes, you will need to provide a unique e-mail address that will be used at log-in and as the primary contact for the list. Also, a federal tax ID number is required during the application process for each wishlist.
Different grades or classes in the same school, for instance, may each have a Donate-A-Book wishlist. When this is done, please ensure that you clearly title your list ("Mrs. Cunningham's Honors English," e.g.) to prevent possible confusion with other wishlists at your institution.
Refer other nonprofits to join
Feel free to recommend the Donate-A-Book program to your fellow nonprofits and your associates. E-mail them now!
