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Books have a way of sticking with us. Long after you’ve finished the last page, the stories, ideas, or lessons often stay in your mind. That’s why getting rid of books can be surprisingly difficult, especially if they’ve been sitting on your shelves for years.
Still, there comes a time when bookshelves run out of space or your reading habits change. The good news is that old books don’t have to end up in the trash. Whether you donate, sell, swap, or repurpose them, there are plenty of ways to make sure they continue to be enjoyed by someone else.
Here are 14 ways to give your old books a new home.
Donate to Thrift Stores
Many thrift stores gladly accept books in good condition. Stores like Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Value Village resell donated books at affordable prices, giving them a second life while supporting charitable programs.
Related: 12 Thrift Store Items That Can Hide Unexpected Problems
Share Them With Friends or Neighbors
Before boxing up your books, ask around. A friend, family member, or neighbor may have been wanting to read the same title. Passing books along is one of the easiest ways to keep them in circulation.
Sell Your Books
If your books are in good shape, you may be able to earn a little money from them. Online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, along with stores such as Half Price Books, buy or resell used books depending on their condition and demand.
Related: 15 Survival Items You Can Find at Thrift Stores
Donate to Your Local Library
Some public libraries accept donated books for their collections, fundraising sales, or community programs. Since every library has different guidelines, it’s always a good idea to call first and ask what they’re currently accepting.
Leave Them in a Little Free Library
Little Free Libraries are neighborhood book-sharing boxes where anyone can leave or borrow a book. They’re an easy way to pass along books while encouraging reading in your local community.
Recycle Them Properly
If a book is too damaged to donate or sell, recycling may be the better choice. Some recycling centers and book recycling programs accept books and recover the paper instead of sending them to a landfill.
Related: 14 Prepper Items to Buy at the Thrift Store
Trade Books Online
Book-swapping websites make it easy to exchange books you’ve already read for new ones. Communities like BookCrossing and Paperback Swap connect readers who enjoy passing books from one person to another.
Donate to Homeless Shelters
Many shelters welcome books for both adults and children. Reading offers entertainment, education, and a welcome distraction during difficult times, making donated books a thoughtful gift.
Send Books to Military Members
Programs like Operation Paperback collect donated books and ship them to deployed service members around the world. A good book can provide a welcome break and a reminder of home during long deployments.
Support Prison Reading Programs
Organizations such as Prison Book Program and Books Through Bars provide reading materials to incarcerated individuals. Donated books help support education, personal growth, and access to learning resources.
Related: 10 Things Every Homesteader Should Always Buy at Thrift Stores
Sell Them at a Garage Sale
If you’re already planning a garage sale, add your books to the tables. Affordable prices often attract buyers looking to stock up on novels, children’s books, cookbooks, or other favorites.
Donate to International Literacy Programs
Some nonprofit organizations collect books and distribute them to schools, libraries, and communities with limited access to reading materials. Programs like Books for Africa help place donated books where they’re needed most.
Decorate With Them
If you have books with attractive covers, vintage bindings, or meaningful titles, consider keeping a few as part of your home décor. Stacked books can add warmth to shelves, coffee tables, or reading corners without staying packed away in storage.
Give Them to Nursing or Retirement Homes
Many nursing homes and retirement communities appreciate book donations for their residents. Large-print editions, classic novels, puzzle books, and magazines are often especially popular. Calling ahead will help you find out which types of books they can use.
