In our home, books can be found in every cozy nook: a basket in the living room, a shelf in the playroom, the nightstands in Mom and Dad’s room, and of course the kids’ bedroom bookshelves.  To be completely honest, I often find books on the floor, NEXT to the bookshelf, which to me is a mess meant to be embraced… 

As my children have grown, we have gone through seasons of books.  We started with board books for those little fingers, transitioned to crinkly books that have flaps and shiny objects attached, and finally, my favorite, moved on to bright and thoughtful picture books.  As we go through these seasons, there comes a time when we need to say goodbye to those board books or to some picture books that we just don’t read as much as we used to.  This is essential so that we can make room for new reading adventures full of fresh insights for growing minds.  So, what do we do with books we are ready to close a chapter on, after many years of being well loved?  How can we help our communities by using the books we no longer need?  

The first step is sorting:

My first step when going through this process is sorting.  Sometimes I involve my kids (and sometimes it’s better to do it alone!).  First, decide which books are still being read, and which ones you are done with.  Once you have your pile of “done with these” books, move on to the next sorting phase: books to KEEP in your home (for a younger sibling or perhaps for nostalgia), books to GIVE to someone in mind (maybe a friend or neighbor who has a young reader), and lastly, books to DONATE.  When books fall into the DONATE pile, there are so many options available!  

Below are ten ways to recycle or reuse books you wish to donate:

1. Donate to a Local Book Bank 

A Book Bank is an organization that collects, sorts, and distributes gently used as well as new books.  Some book banks have a drop-off site or warehouse and some even have Drop Boxes for easy donations.  Do a search for “local book banks” or “book banks near me” and you will find ready-to-use resources.  Book Banks do an amazing job of getting books into the hands of those who are in Book Deserts (lack of access to relevant books in the home).  My favorite local book bank, where I volunteer often, is called Making Spirits Bright, located in Metro Detroit.  One of the many amazing impacts this book bank has is putting on FREE book fairs at schools located in book deserts.  Stop in or reach out to a local book bank near you to find out how you can help!     

2. Donate to Libraries or Schools 

Many local libraries and schools will happily take gently used book donations.  Get in contact with your local spots to see when and how they receive donations.  If they are not taking donations at this time, ask if they have any connections for you. 

3. Support Local Charities and Nonprofits 

Nonprofits such as Goodwill, Salvation Army, or local shelters may take your gently used books and get them into the hands of underserved communities.  Contact your local charity to see if they are currently accepting book donations. 

4. Set Up a Little Free Library 

Visit a local Little Free Library and add to the collection.  You can search for libraries using this map.  I try to keep books ready for donation in my car, so that anytime I am near a Little Free Library, I can contribute to it.  If there isn’t a Little Free Library near you, consider starting one! 

5. Host a Book Swap 

Organize a seasonal book swap for adults or kids.  You could host a back-to-school book swap with students, an adult book swap around New Year’s, or a holiday-themed “white elephant” gift swap all about gently used books!  Get creative and have fun with it! 

6. Sell or Trade Online 

Use platforms like eBay and Amazon or specialized book resale websites like ThriftBooks, BookScouter, or Decluttr to sell your books.  Alternatively, trade them on websites like PaperBackSwap. 

7. Donate to Hospitals or Nursing Homes 

Hospitals, nursing homes, and retirement communities often appreciate book donations for their residents.  Call ahead to ensure they’re accepting donations. 

8. Give to a Prison Book Program 

Many programs collect books to distribute to prisons, helping to provide education and escapism for inmates.  Research specific requirements for book donations as they often have guidelines on what types of books are accepted. 

9. Recycle 

It’s okay to recycle books that are too worn or outdated.  Paperback books can usually be placed directly into recycling bins, while hardcover books may need to have the cover removed before recycling.  Check into your local recycling pickup for details. 

10. Offer for Free Online 

There are many Facebook groups with the title “Buy Nothing.”  Search for one in your community and join!  It’s a simple way to get things out of your home and into another.  Additionally, there are platforms like Freecycle and Craigslist, which serve the same purpose.   

Decluttering and making space for new books is a valid reason to donate your old ones.  But did you know that taking these steps can also increase the well-being of your neighborhood?  It is! One factor of neighborhood well-being is access to continued learning — in other words, books! 

So, next time you are reading with your children, grandchildren, or any reader, and you skip over books on the shelf while choosing, ask yourself if it’s time to pass that book on to a new home.  Start small with sorting in a way that works for you.  Then, when you have a pile of a few books, pick an idea above and break the ice!  It will feel great to organize your books and even better to share your love of those books with a new family.  Read, Sort, Share, Repeat… “A book is a gift you can open again and again.” -Garrison Keillor