Frequently Asked Questions

The following questions are ones we get all the time about the Reuse First for Students program. For more information on Better World Books, the business, check out our Infrequently Asked Questions. Also, if you don't see your question here feel free to email us.

1. Why run a book drive?
2. How does a book drive work?
3. What if I've never run a book drive?
4. What kind of books are you looking for?
5. What if I receive books that are not "accepted?"
6. Wait, I can make money doing this?
7. Which nonprofit literacy programs can our book drive support?
8. Will I be too busy with school to run a successful book drive?
9. What does Better World Books do with donated books?
10. How much does this program cost?

Why run a book drive?

Three words: People, Planet, and Profit.

• People - Develop your leadership skills and have a positive impact improving lives through literacy.
• Planet - Pioneer a green service project on your campus and reduce your campus's environmental footprint.
• Profit - Make money for your organization and generate funding for a nonprofit literacy partner in the process.

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How does a book drive work?

1. Sign up: Check out our contact form
2. Organize the drive: Get volunteers and set goals for your drive
3. Promote the drive: Get the word out via Facebook, posters, text messaging, smoke signals, or whatever will work on your campus!
4. Sort the books: Empty your bins when they're full and sort the books
5. Box and ship: Schedule your free shipment of books through RUFIS

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What if I've never run a book drive?

There's a lot of things we can't help you do, including: learn how to dance, wake up in time for your 8am class or write that paper you keep putting off. However, when it comes to book drives, we've got you covered. We provide:

• Support and guidance from book drive pros
• All the supplies that you'll need
• Great online tools to coordinate the drive
• Free shipping

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What kind of books are you looking for?

Generally we are looking for textbooks, and those books used in college courses. Check out our the books we accept for more details.

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What if I receive books that are not "accepted?"

We realize that no matter how hard you try people will donate books that are not accepted. Feel free to contact your Account Rep for some local donation options, or visit the National Center for Family Literacy for an interactive map of local literacy programs.

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Wait, I can make money doing this?

That is correct, we pay you or your organization for each accepted book, and the funding quickly adds up!

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Which nonprofit literacy programs can our book drive support?

Your organization can support any one of our five partners.

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Will I be too busy with school to run a successful book drive?

You'll be busy, there's no getting around that, but the book drive is simple. With our help and a little diligence and planning beforehand, you will be prepared to run a successful book drive no matter what else you're working on.

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What does Better World Books do with donated books?

We find the best use for each book. They will either be sold to generate funding for your chosen literacy program, sent to one of our nonprofit partners or recycled if they are damaged or unsuitable. Books are never thrown away! If you're a more visual person, check out this cool diagram.

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What does this program cost?

Time is money, so you're already committing enough. Besides your much appreciated efforts, there's absolutely no cost to your organization. We provide you with everything you need to lead a successful book drive.

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