Where to Donate Books in Murrieta, CA — 5 Options Compared

Last Mile Books · August 13, 2026 · A local guide from a Temecula-based book service

The 5 real options for donating books in Murrieta

Option 1 — Free pickup with Last Mile Books

We're a small local team based in Temecula. Free pickup across Murrieta means you fill out a form, we confirm a day, and we drive to your Murrieta address and load every box ourselves.

• Cost: $0. No fees, no minimums beyond one box.
• Timing: Most Murrieta pickups happen within 2–4 days.
• What we take: Hardcovers, paperbacks, textbooks, cookbooks, children's books, estate libraries.
• What we don't take: Moldy, water-damaged, or musty books, encyclopedia sets, magazines.
• Schedule: Book a Murrieta pickup

Option 2 — Drop off at Murrieta Public Library

The Murrieta Public Library (8 Town Square) accepts small book donations. This works best if you have one or two boxes and are already headed downtown.

• Pros: Free, supports the local library.
• Cons: Limits on quantity; you carry the books in yourself; hours vary.
• Note: Call ahead before hauling a large donation — libraries often can't accept everything.

Option 3 — Little Free Libraries

Murrieta has dozens of Little Free Libraries scattered across neighborhoods like Copper Canyon, The Colony, and Murrieta Hot Springs. These are best for a handful of gently used, popular books.

• Pros: Books go directly to a reader in your neighborhood.
• Cons: Only holds a few books at a time; don't dump boxes.

Option 4 — Thrift store drop-off

Goodwill, Salvation Army, and local church thrift stores in Murrieta all accept book donations. You'll need to box them up and drive them there yourself.

• Pros: Widely available, established organizations.
• Cons: You do the driving and lifting. Larger chains don't specialize in books, so many end up recycled or shredded.

Option 5 — Estate sale companies (for valuable collections)

If you have a rare or high-value book collection (first editions, signed copies, academic libraries), estate sale companies or book brokers may buy the collection outright. Expect a fee or commission — this only pays off for genuinely valuable books.

• Pros: Best financial return for rare items.
• Cons: Fees involved; not worth it for typical household libraries.

Which option should you pick?

For most Murrieta residents with a bookshelf, a garage full of boxes, or a whole estate library to clear, free pickup with Last Mile Books is the fastest, easiest, and most complete option. You don't lift a thing, we come to your address, and every book gets a real shot at a new reader.

To schedule a free Murrieta book pickup, fill out the form at lastmilebooks.com/book-donation-pickup-murrieta.html.

Frequently asked questions about book donation in Murrieta