Do Libraries Accept Kindle Returned Books For Redistribution?

As someone who’s worked closely with library systems, I can tell you this is a tricky question with no one-size-fits-all answer. Libraries operate under specific licensing agreements when it comes to digital content like Kindle books. Unlike physical books, which can be donated or resold, eBooks are tied to DRM (Digital Rights Management) systems. Amazon’s Kindle books are licensed to individuals, not transferable like paperbacks. Most libraries can’t redistribute a Kindle book you’ve 'returned' because the license expires or remains tied to your account. It’s like trying to give someone a Netflix password—technically possible, but legally and ethically murky.

Some libraries do have systems for accepting donated eBooks, but they usually require purchasing through specific platforms like OverDrive or Libby, where the licenses are designed for institutional use. Even then, the process is nothing like handling physical donations. The digital-first world has forced libraries to adapt in weird ways, and this is one area where the rules feel frustratingly outdated. If you’re looking to 'donate' a Kindle book, your best bet is checking if the library has a wishlist for digital titles they can purchase directly under their licensing terms.

I tried donating my Kindle books to my local library last year, and it was a hard no. The librarian explained that eBooks aren’t like old paperbacks—they can’t just slap a new due date sticker on them. Amazon’s terms lock the file to my account forever, even if I delete it. It’s wild because libraries would kill for more digital copies, but the system’s rigged against sharing. Now I just buy gift copies of favorites through library-approved platforms instead. Feels like a loophole, but at least it helps.