ICPLFF and Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center Announce the Launch of an Expanded Community Program for Book Reuse and Recycling

The Iowa City Public Library Friends Foundation (ICPLFF) and the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center are partnering to launch an expanded community program for area residents to donate and recycle books they no longer need. This partnership will allow usable, good quality books to be reused and books that are past use to be recycled and kept out of the landfill.

“While recycling is beneficial, it is even better if we can reduce and reuse whenever possible. Continuing to use quality books if they are intact is more impactful in reducing our climate footprint than just recycling them. Making this program even more sustainable, we are thrilled that funds raised through this program can offer direct support to our local public library, a vital community resource” stated Jane Wilch, Recycling Coordinator.

Supporting the Iowa City Public Library and protecting the earth is as simple as dropping off your used books and other accepted media at the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center or The Iowa City Public Library. Guidelines for accepted materials are included below.

What is the ICPLFF and how does it support the Iowa City Public Library?
The Iowa City Public Library is a center of community life that connects people of all ages with information, engages them with the world of ideas and with each other, and enriches the community by supporting learning, promoting literacy, and encouraging creativity. The mission of the ICPLFF is to strengthen the Iowa City Public Library through fundraising, advocacy, and promotion of its valuable resources. The funds ICPLFF raises through this expanded reuse/recycling program will enrich the library through support of collections, free public programs, staff learning, and technology upgrades. Learn more about the ICPLFF at www.supportICPL.org

Donate and recycle books at the following locations at no cost!
(Hours and accepted items vary per location.)

Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center (3900 Hebl Ave. SW, Iowa City)
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Self-service book collection containers are located in the electronic recycling garage bay along the back wall. A maximum of six boxes is allowed without  an appointment.

Items in good condition will be shipped to Thriftbooks Global LLC for resale. Proceeds from the sale of these items directly benefits the Iowa City Public Library.

Accepted Items:
 All types of books, including encyclopedias and textbooks
 Audiobooks on CD
 DVDs in original case

Not Accepted Items:
 Books that are moldy, wet, or infested (with bed bugs, etc.)
 VHS tapes, cassette tapes, or CDs
 More than six boxes at a time without an appointment

Please call 319-356-5185 to make an appointment or with questions.

Iowa City Public Library (123 S Linn St. Iowa City)
Hours: Donations are accepted anytime the Library is open. Visit www.icpl.org for current hours of operation.

Bring items to the Help Desk on the first floor of the library. A maximum of two boxes is allowed without an appointment. Email development@ICPL.org or call 319-356-5185 to arrange an appointment or ask questions about your donation.

Donated items will be re-sold to be enjoyed by the community in The Book End bookstore on tthe second floor of the library, or one of the various book sales held throughout the year. All proceeds benefit the Iowa City Public Library Friends Foundation.

Accepted Items:
 Recently-released books (within the last five years) are preferred!
 Most types of books, excluding encyclopedias and textbooks
 Audiobooks on CD
 DVDs in original case 

Not Accepted Items:
 Books that are moldy, wet, or infested (with bed bugs, etc.)
 VHS tapes, cassette tapes, or CDs
 Encyclopedias and textbooks

For library questions, please contact Katie Roche, Development Director, at 319-356-5249 or
KatieRoche@icpl.org.

For recycling questions, please contact Jane Wilch, Recycling Coordinator, at 319-887-6110 or
Jane-Wilch@iowa-city.org.