Books have a way of sticking around. Some are favorites you’ll always keep, but others end up sitting on shelves untouched for years. Maybe you planned to read them someday, maybe you’ve already finished them, or maybe they’ve simply followed you through a few moves because getting rid of books feels harder than getting rid of almost anything else.
If your shelves are overflowing, throwing books in the trash might seem like the easiest answer. But in many cases, those books can still be useful to someone else. Whether you donate, sell, swap, or recycle them, there are plenty of better options that keep them out of the landfill and give them another chance to be read.
Here are some of the best ways to clear out old books without throwing them away.
Donate Them to a Thrift Store
Thrift stores like Goodwill, The Salvation Army, and Savers usually accept books that are clean and in good condition. It’s one of the fastest ways to clear several boxes at once, and your books may end up with readers who are happy to find them at an affordable price.
Related: The Most Underrated Thrift Store Section—And Almost No One Checks It
Share Them With Friends or Neighbors
If you know someone who enjoys the same types of books you do, pass them along. A favorite novel, cookbook, or mystery series often finds a much better home with someone you know than sitting forgotten on a shelf.
Sell Books That Still Have Value
Some books are worth selling, especially newer releases, textbooks, collectible editions, or popular titles. Online marketplaces, used bookstores, and shops like Half Price Books may offer cash or store credit if your books are in good condition.
Related: That Box of Old Children’s Books in Your Closet Might Be Worth Selling
Donate to Your Local Library
Many public libraries accept donated books for fundraising sales. Every library has its own guidelines, so it’s worth calling first to see what they’re currently accepting.
Leave Them in a Little Free Library
Little Free Libraries make it easy to share books with people in your neighborhood. Drop off a few books you’ve finished, and someone else may discover a new favorite. You might even find something you’d like to read while you’re there.
Recycle Books That Can’t Be Saved
Books with missing pages, water damage, mold, or heavy wear may no longer be suitable for donation. If they’re beyond repair, check whether your local recycling program accepts books or look for a recycling center that handles them.
Swap Books With Other Readers
If you enjoy reading regularly, book exchange websites and local swap groups can help keep your shelves fresh without buying new books. Services like BookCrossing and Paperback Swap connect readers who are looking to trade.
Donate to Shelters or Community Centers
Homeless shelters, family resource centers, and community organizations often welcome books for both children and adults. Reading materials can offer comfort, entertainment, and a welcome distraction.
Send Books to Military Members
Programs like Operation Paperback collect books for service members stationed around the world. A donated book can help pass the time and provide a welcome reminder of home.
Related: Say What? People are Freezing their thrifted books
Support Prison Book Programs
Organizations such as Prison Book Program and Books to Prisoners distribute reading materials to incarcerated people who often have limited access to books. Your donation can help support learning and personal growth.
Sell Them at a Garage Sale
If you’re already cleaning out your house, place your books on a table during your next garage sale. Even low prices can help move a large stack quickly while earning a little extra money.
Donate to International Literacy Programs
Organizations like Books for Africa help bring books to schools, libraries, and communities where reading materials are in short supply. Books you no longer need can still make a difference somewhere else.
Offer Them Through a Buy Nothing Group
Local Buy Nothing groups and neighborhood community pages make it easy to give books directly to people nearby. Many readers are happy to pick them up, and you won’t have to worry about transporting them elsewhere.
Repurpose Books That Can’t Be Donated
If a book is too damaged to donate or recycle, you can still find practical uses for it. The pages work well for craft projects, journaling, gift wrapping, or protecting fragile items during storage or a move. It’s a simple way to get a little more use out of books that have reached the end of their reading life.
