How to donate books in Ghana so they reach readers who need them

Books have a way of ending up in cartons. Old textbooks from secondary school, novels read once, children's books the children have outgrown. Meanwhile, many schools, community libraries and students across Ghana are short of books to read and study from.

This guide covers how to donate books in Ghana so they reach readers who can use them: which books are most wanted, where to take them, how to prepare them, and what to do with the ones nobody needs.

First, check whether a textbook is still current

This matters more than most people realise. Ghana introduced a new standards-based curriculum for basic schools from 2019, and changes have followed at senior high school level too. A textbook written for the old syllabus may no longer match what is taught in class.

That does not make an older textbook worthless. It can still be useful as general reading or background. But a school may not be able to use it in lessons, so say which edition and year a textbook is when you offer it.

Books that are almost always wanted

• Children's storybooks, especially early readers with simple text and pictures
• Books by African writers. Novels by writers such as Ama Ata Aidoo, Chinua Achebe and Ayi Kwei Armah are read and studied in Ghanaian schools
• Dictionaries — English, French, and dictionaries for Ghanaian languages
• BECE and WASSCE past-question books, which students use heavily for revision
• Current textbooks that match what is taught today
• General non-fiction — biographies, science and history written for young readers

Where to donate books in Ghana

Schools

Under-resourced basic schools are often the most grateful recipients. Speak to the head teacher first to find out what they need and for which classes. A small, well-chosen box of books is usually more useful than a large mixed one.

Community libraries and reading clubs

Many communities have small libraries and reading clubs run by volunteers, and they often depend entirely on donated books. The Ghana Library Authority runs public libraries across the country, so it is also worth asking your nearest branch whether it accepts donations.

Churches and mosques

Congregations with youth programmes, Sunday schools or after-school classes can often use children's books and study materials.

Directly to a student

Students are constantly looking for textbooks and past-question books, especially at the start of a school year. On Givny, you can list a bundle of books and let a student nearby request it. Our post on furnishing a hostel room for nothing shows how much campus life runs on things passed from one student to the next.

How to prepare books before you donate

1. Remove loose papers and anything with personal information on it.
2. Check for mould and termites. Humidity and termites damage books quickly. Anything affected should not be donated, as it can spread to other books.
3. Dust them and let them air in a dry place.
4. Sort them into children's books, adult fiction, non-fiction and textbooks, and sort textbooks by level and subject.
5. Note the edition and year of each textbook.
6. Tie or box them in bundles so they are easy to carry and check.

What not to donate

• Books with mould or termite damage
• Workbooks that have already been filled in
• Very old computer and technology manuals
• Old magazines and newspapers, which few organisations want
• Books with loose or missing pages, unless you say so clearly

Consider starting a small shelf

If you live in an estate, work in an office or attend a church, a simple shared shelf works well: take a book, leave a book. It keeps books moving between readers, and it costs almost nothing to start.

Frequently asked questions

Can I donate used textbooks in Ghana?

Yes, but check whether they match the current curriculum first. Say which edition and year they are when you offer them, so the school or student can decide whether they are useful.

Do libraries in Ghana accept book donations?

Many community libraries depend on donations, and it is worth asking your nearest public library branch too. Always check first what they need, as space is often limited.

What books do schools in Ghana need most?

Children's storybooks, current textbooks, dictionaries and past-question books come up most often. Ask the school, because needs vary a great deal from one to the next.

Is it worth donating old past-question books?

Yes, as long as they cover the current exam format. Students use them heavily for revision, and they are one of the most requested items at the start of the school year.

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Have a shelf of books you have finished with? List them on Givny and let a student or reader nearby put them to use.