Reuse Center for teachers & non-profits
Sharing Resources for Brighter Futures
Capacity is limited to 5 people due to COVID mitigation efforts. Only qualifying individuals with current ID may enter the Reuse Center. No guests are allowed.
SCARCE began recycling efforts by redistributing textbooks amongst teachers and schools districts. It wasn’t long before we expanded to reading books and school supplies. SCARCE is committed to finding the best use for all books and supplies that we receive because they are resources – and we don’t believe in waste.
Since 1990, we have given over 8 million books to people in need and diverted millions more books and supplies from the landfill.

Our new space in Addison.
Helping Students Everywhere
SCARCE provides books and school supplies to public school teachers and non-profit organizations. Educators visit SCARCE’s Reuse Center year-round to select books and supplies for their students. Many teachers don’t have enough books or teaching materials for their class. SCARCE fills the gap.
SCARCE also partners with organizations to provide books and supplies for children here and around the world. Books and supplies have gone to schools, hospitals, orphanages, and libraries in more than 58 countries. In DuPage County, SCARCE gives thousands of books to children in need at the annual Catholic Charities Back-to-School Fair.
Our books and supplies are helping children everywhere have new opportunities to learn.