Books4Cause is a Chicago-based social enterprise that gives donated books a second life. We operate free bookstores, provide books to schools and community programs, help build libraries in Africa, and responsibly recycle materials that cannot be reused.
So far, that has meant 4 million books saved from landfills, more than 220,000 books given away free in Chicago, and 125+ libraries built across 18 African countries.
OUR STORY SO FAR
From one book drive to a local and global movement.
2009
Books4Cause begins collecting donated books and shipping them to libraries in Africa with the African Library Project.
2020
When Chicago’s libraries closed, we opened the city’s first free bookstore in Avondale — 1,000 books, all free.
2026
Our second free bookstore opens in Uptown, bringing free books to another Chicago neighborhood.
What’s next
Expanding our free bookstore network and building new ways to keep books in circulation.
OUR PROGRAMS
Local initiatives
We keep books moving throughout Chicago by making them free, accessible, and useful for as long as possible.
Free Books in Chicago
Our free bookstores in Avondale and Uptown offer thousands of books, DVDs, and school supplies for all ages and reading levels — completely free. Visit the free bookstores →
Books for Schools & Teachers
Teachers and schools have unlimited access to our free bookstores — stock your classroom, or bring your class on a field trip. We also fill larger requests from schools and community programs. Learn more →
Keeping Books in Circulation
We find the best possible use for every donated book. Materials that cannot be reused are responsibly recycled into paper products. Learn more →
Global initiatives
Through trusted partners, donated books help establish libraries and academic resource centers in communities with limited access.
Libraries in Africa
With the African Library Project, we supply books for libraries in rural villages — carefully selected, in excellent condition. The ALP ensures each library has a dedicated space and a trained librarian.
University & Academic Libraries
We work with universities in developing countries to establish subject resource centers — hundreds of books in fields like physics, child development, mathematics, and psychology, from introductory to advanced.
HOW WE FUND IT
Funded through book reuse — not charitable donations.
Books4Cause is a social enterprise, not a nonprofit. A portion of donated materials is sold, and that revenue funds our free bookstores, community programs, book shipments, staff, and operations. Our north star is simple: get every book reused.