Statewide Book Drive
Now in its second year, the Maryland Commission on African American History & Culture (MCAAHC) invites Marylanders’ contributions to a statewide book drive. Donations of unused books in alignment with the MCAAHC mission are welcomed at sites across the state now through June 2025. The MCAAHC serves to be a voice and venue against the marginalization, false narratives, book banning, and other systemic practices that suppress, subordinate, and misrepresent the history of Maryland African Americans.
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)
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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.
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When will the 2024-2025 book drive close? The MCAAHC will close its 2nd annual statewide book drive on June 21, 2025 to afford communities an opportunity to coordinate and encourage donations during Juneteenth festivities.
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What kind of books can I donate? Donations of unused titles in alignment with the MCAAHC mission are welcomed.
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Where do I find the MCAAHC mission? The MCAAHC mission may be found at https://africanamerican.maryland.gov/.
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Is there a donation limit? No. However, our goal is to surpass 5,000 titles donated across the state.
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Who can donate? All Marylanders, members of the Global Majority and allies alike.
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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.
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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.
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If I have questions not addressed in the FAQs above, where do I submit them? Please, contact the MCAAHC Statewide Book Drive Committee via mcaahcbookdrive@gmail.com.
Questions? Email the Statewide Book Drive Committee at mcaahcbookdrive@gmail.com.