Donations
Symposia is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Think of us like a thrift store, except we only sell books.
Since 2003, Symposia has run entirely on books donated by the community. We've never received a grant. Our landlord gives us a break on rent, and that support matters, but beyond that, everything we do comes from processing what people bring in. When donations are good, we can keep the lights on. Without the community's support, we would have to close.
How to Donate
Drop off in person
Bring your books to the store during open hours. There's metered parking out front, and our volunteers are happy to help carry donations in if you need a hand. We don't have a vehicle, so we're not able to pick up donations.
Ship it to us
You can also mail donations to us at 510 Washington St, Hoboken, NJ 07030. This works well for smaller donations. For larger amounts, it's best to call us first so we can figure out a way to get the books to the store. We're not able to cover postage costs.
We accept
We accept gently used books, DVDs, and CDs. We do not buy books. If you'd like a tax-deductible receipt for your donation, just ask.
We do not accept
Encyclopedias, Periodicals and magazines, Dictionaries, Advance reader copies, Exam prep books, Board games, Toys, Incomplete puzzles
Common Questions
Here’s what you should know about donating.
Yes! You can donate directly through our website using the secure payment options provided above. Every contribution is greatly appreciated and helps us better serve our community.
Yes! Donations of cash or books to Symposia are tax-deductible. We can provide a donation receipt for your records. Symposia Community Bookstore is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
Your donations help us keep the bookstore open, offer affordable books, and provide a welcoming place where neighbors can connect, learn, and exchange ideas. They also support community events, educational workshops, local artists, and nonprofit organizations working to strengthen our community.
We accept ONLY donations of books, DVDs, and CDs. However, we cannot accept encyclopedias, periodicals or magazines, dictionaries, advance reader copies, exam-preparation books, board games, toys, or incomplete puzzles.
You can also donate your time or expertise by volunteering or helping Symposia with community events and other projects.
If you have three or more boxes of books to donate, please call us ahead of time at 201-805-1739. This allows us to plan for the extra space and assistance needed to receive your donation.
We cannot pick up donations because we do not have a vehicle. However, if you live nearby and have a large number of books to donate, we may be able to offer additional assistance. Please call us at 201-805-1739 to discuss your situation.
Have more questions?
If you still need more information or have specific inquiries, we’re here to help! Feel free to reach out through our contact page or visit us in person. We love connecting with our community!
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