Up until very recently, you may have noticed a growing number of bright green book “donation” bins appearing at recycling centers, churches, fire stations, and other public locations. These green bins were mostlly operated by New Legacy Books, an out-of-state, for-profit company. While they are often marketed as a convenient and environmentally friendly way to donate books, Friends of the Library groups across the County believed they posed more risk than reward to our libraries and our communities.

At their height, 24 New Legacy bins were in place across the region, with more locations being actively pursued.

At the heart of the issue is competition for donated books. Friends of FCPLs volunteers already process hundreds of thousands of donated items each year -- more than 200 tons countywide -- keeping them out of landfills and turning their value directly back into local library services. Proceeds from Friends book sales fund children’s and adult programs, materials, technology, staff support, and other enhancements that County budgets alone do not cover. Dollars raised by Friends stay here, supporting Fairfax County libraries and residents.
By contrast, New Legacy and its competitors are private resellers. Books placed in the green bins are “skimmed” for resale, with profits flowing to the company itself, with a modest revenue share to their bin “sponsors.”  There's not much visibility about how much is shared with bin sponsors.   

In March, New Legacy decided they weren’t getting enough book donations to make its investment in Virginia worthwhile, and their green bins have been, or are being, withdrawn.  Frankly, we're relieved.  We support the effort to reduce waste by recycling books.  But let's do that by donating good-condition books directly to your local library’s Friends group.  
 

- - Fred Singerman
President, Friends of Oakton Library

For more information check this link:                              https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/donate