Statewide Book Drive 2025-2026
Now in its third year, the Maryland Commission on African American History & Culture (MCAAHC) invites Marylanders to contribute to a statewide book drive. Donations of new or gently used books that align with the MCAAHC mission are welcomed at designated collection sites across the state through June 2026. The MCAAHC remains committed to serving as a voice and venue against marginalization, false narratives, book banning, and other systemic practices that suppress, distort, or misrepresent the history of African Americans in Maryland.
How to Donate
Please contact your respective local public library staff for more information regarding donation sites near you. You can also host a book drive and giveaway within your own community!
Inaugural Participating Libraries and Community Partners
| LIBRARY PARTNER | COMMUNITY PARTNER | DONATION SITE LOCATION(S) |
|---|---|---|
| *Enoch Pratt Free Library | MD Center for the Book | Baltimore City |
| Ruth Enlow Library of Garrett County | The Reading Station | Oakland |
| Queen Anne’s County Library | The Kennard African American Cultural Heritage Center | Centreville |
| Talbot County Free Library | The Needle’s Eye Academy | Easton St. Michaels |
| Worcester County Library | Beach to Bay Heritage Area | Berlin |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- When will the 2024-2025 book drive begin? The MCAAHC will launch its 2nd annual statewide book drive on Maryland Emancipation Day, Nov. 1, 2024.
- When does the 2025–2026 book drive conclude? The book drive will conclude on June 21, 2026, allowing communities to align their donation efforts with Juneteenth celebrations and related programming.
- How can I participate in the book drive?
- As an individual, you can donate books at your nearest participating collection site and encourage others to do the same. You are also invited to attend the end-of-drive book giveaway events, where donated materials are redistributed within local communities.
- As an organization, you may partner with the MCAAHC as a designated donation site, organize a collective book donation, or help raise awareness within your network.
- What happens to the books that are donated? All donated books are carefully sorted and redistributed during community book giveaway events at the end of the drive. These events ensure that the materials are returned to and reinvested in the communities they reflect and serve.
- What kind of books can I donate? Donations of unused titles in alignment with the MCAAHC mission are welcomed.
- Where do I find the MCAAHC mission? The MCAAHC mission may be found at https://africanamerican.maryland.gov/.
- Is there a donation limit? No. However, our goal is to surpass 5,000 titles donated across the state.
- Who can donate? All Marylanders, members of the Global Majority and allies alike.
- How can I confirm if my local public library is participating in the drive as a donation site? Please, either contact your respective local public library staff or refer to this webpage for a regularly updated list of confirmed partners.
- Who can donate? All Marylanders, members of the Global Majority and allies alike.
- Once I arrive at the nearest donation site, where do I bring my books? At each public library, you will be able to find a donation space adorning the MCAAHC statewide book drive poster. If this space is not readily visible, please engage your respective public library staff to assist in clarifying its location.
- If I have questions not addressed in the FAQs above, where do I submit them? Please, contact the MCAAHC Statewide Book Drive Committee via [email protected].
Questions? Email the Statewide Book Drive Committee at [email protected].