Thousands Of Books Being Given Away By Contra Costa Co. Library

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — The Contra Costa County Library is hosting its annual book giveaway, and tens of thousands of paperback and hardcover fiction, non-fiction and children’s books from the county's 26 libraries are available for free during the 5-day event.

The book giveaway will be located in the shipping and receiving area behind the Pleasant Hill Library. It will run Tuesday, July 16, through Saturday, July 20, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

All books available at the giveaway have been removed from the library collection due to lack of

circulation, poor condition or relevance. The process for removal is done in accordance with the Contra Costa County Library Collection Development Plan, officials said.

“Removing materials is standard practice for libraries and helps patrons to easily locate books and
discover new items,” County Librarian Melinda Cervantes said. “Collection maintenance helps staff to identify gaps and create space on our shelves for new materials.”

A September 1998 resolution, signed by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, allows the library system to declare outdated and damaged library materials as surplus and give them away as appropriate, officials said.

Books are available on a first-come, first-served basis and members of the public are advised to bring their own boxes or bags to transport materials.

The Pleasant Hill Library shipping and receiving area is located at 75 Santa Barbara Road in Pleasant Hill.