“The Book Barn is the perfect coordination of adventure, nostalgia, treasure hunting, bargain hunting, volunteerism and charity.”

— Jackie L.

PLEASE NOTE OUR UPCOMING HOLIDAY CLOSING!

Book Barn and Bargain Barn will be closed on Wednesday, Nov. 26 and Thursday, Nov. 27 for Thanksgiving Day. We will reopen on Saturday, November 29. It’s Small Business Saturday. Come shop!

“This charming little bookstore is a must-visit for any book lover...”

George via Google Reviews

“It’s like the New Jersey version of the Strand.”

Dave O., while shopping

Welcome to the Book Barn, a non-profit, 100% volunteer run secondhand bookstore that sells books, media, music and more at a fraction of retail prices. ALL of our proceeds go to local charities. We’re a reader’s paradise!

Nestled in the heart of Morris County in an old dairy barn that’s been in existence for over 100 years, book lovers will be treated to endless books in all genres including (but not limited to) fiction, drama, comedy, sci-fi, history, cooking, gardening and so much more.

Everything sold at the Barn has been donated; we take donations during business hours, with the exception of the last hour of each working day.

“Cows used to kick in their stalls for feed where rows of bookshelves now stand.”

— Gene Myers, The Record

OUR HISTORY

In the late 1800s, farm and cow barn structures were constructed on Pocono Road in Denville, run by Saint Francis Residential Community (pictured above). In 1953, the Thrift Barns (Book Barn & Bargain Barn) started as "The Coral," operated by St. Clare’s Auxiliary. Then, in 1985, The Castaways thrift shop volunteers opened, and was affiliated with St. Clare’s Hospital operations. It was in 2006 that the Castaways thrift shop volunteers merged with the Bargain Barn volunteer team. In 2016, Thrift Barns established as 501(c)(3) nonprofit; and Leonard “Lennie” DiMenna became president. We give 100% of proceeds to local charities.

In 2018, Book Barn was honored as top bookstore and Thrift Barns received the Key to the City of Denville. In 2019, Thrift Barns donated over $960k to local organizations under Lennie DiMenna’s leadership. DiMenna passed on October 31, 2022 but his spirit lives in the hearts of the Thrift Barn community.

“Whatever we earn goes back to the community.”

*—Lennie DiMenna*

— in an interview with Gene Myers at The Record, *December 2017*

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

We are proud to donate to local charities.

Silly question, but what do you sell?

There are no silly questions! The Book Barn sells donated books, games, media and more. Everything you’ll find at the Barn has been generously donated.

I’m curious, what’s your return policy?

We do not accept returns or exchanges. All sales are final.

Do you have a list of what’s in stock?

We don’t. Our stock changes constantly based on both sales and donations. If you are in search of something specific, your best bet is to come in and look around. We’re confident you’ll leave with something you love!

Tell me about donations.

Our shop is made up entirely of donations. We take donations at the door labeled “Book Donations” on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 am - 4 pm; Saturdays from 9 am - noon. We ask that you ONLY donate during those hours. Due to limited storage capacity, you can bring up to three shopping bags or boxes per donation, once per day. Please, NO black gargbage bags (they’re too heavy — we can’t lift them)!

What can I donate?

Great question! We accept all books, graphic novels, comics, magazines, CDs, DVDs, vinyl, video games, sheet music, puzzles, board games, audio/video electronics in good working condition. We also accept Christmas items.

What is your policy on scanning for resale?

It is absolutely prohibited on all devices. Due to repeated misuse and disrespectful behavior, book scanning is no longer allowed and will not be reinstated. We regret that responsible users are affected by this decision, but the continued misuse has left us with no choice.

What are your hours?

We are open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 am - 5 pm; Saturdays from 9 am - 1 pm.

Are all employees volunteers?

Yes! Every single person who works at the Book Barn volunteers their time.

Where do the proceeds from the Book Barn go?

100% of the proceeds go to charity. We donate to many local charities, and the list is hanging in the Book Barn, and gets new additions frequently.

Do you have books in other languages?

We usually do! Every one of our books is donated, so our stock changes daily BUT we usually have books in a wide variety of languages. You can find them in our Resource Room.

Do you buy books?

No, we are a non-profit. But we take donations!

Do you have sales or promotions?

All sales and promotions will be announced in the store, on the website, and over social media.

Do you take credit cards?

YES! We take cash, cards and Apple Pay. We ask that you spend a minimum of $10 when using your card, as we have to pay a fee on each CC transaction.

Do you host events?

We sure do. Check out our Events tab for all upcoming events.

An absolute hidden gem that I want to both shout about from the rooftops and keep it a tucked away secret!... It's a charming book store that is a must visit for any and all book lovers. It's like a scavenger hunt, you never know what you'll find!

— Brittany C.

What People Are Saying…

“I could get lost in The Book Barn every time for hours! The volunteers are friendly and knowledgable. The prices are super low! This has to hands down, be the best bookstore in the state! Plan on spending at least an hour here to see everything!

— Maria G.

“Such a great hidden gem! It’s definitely one of the biggest second hand book stores I’ve ever been to. This place is 100% volunteer run and all of their proceeds go to charity. It is such an honor to support amazing businesses like this one!”

— Catherine B.

“This place was amazing. The staff couldn’t have been friendlier, the prices are amazing and the proceeds go to charity… My wife and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Thank you Book Barn, the two hour drive was worth it; we’ll do it again very soon”