Can anyone suggest what I can do with unwanted books?

Question

I have a large collection of Paperback novels that i need to get rid of. What Can I do with them. I do not wish to sell them individually on Ebay or Amazon, I just want to take them somewhere to get rid of. I cannot bring myself to throw them away.

Answer 1

Freecycle is a great way, or your local charity shop

Answer 2

Donate your unwanted books (in good condition) to you local public library. Depending upon condition, age and content, they may be added to the library's collection. If not, they will be placed in the library's books sales - usually sponsored by a Friends of the Library group.

Also- donate them to nursing homes, homeless shelters, hospitals and places like that. Many people are happy to read just about anything!

I have also donated books that went to Iraq. My husband works in a university library. The staff there have adopted a platoon and I have given many paperbacks for the troops. If you don't know a group that has adopted a platoon, check on line to see if the USO will take them.

Don't throw them away, there are people who will take them!

Answer 3

I was going to suggest Amazon but, as another person said, Freecycle is a good option. See www.freecycle.org - you just need to sign up to your local group (it's free) and post an advert on there. A lot of things get claimed the same day so you should be rid of them soon. Otherwise, charity shops are a good idea, donate them to a local school - they are always grateful for free books - or place a free ad in the local paper / Freeads, someone's bound to snap them up if they're free.

Failing that - where do you live? I might have them myself!

Answer 4

Take them to any charity shop who will be only too pleased to have them: I don't know where you live, but in Ipswich Suffolk U K the local Samaritans have a shop that sells nothing but second hand books, some of these charities will collect if you have a great many. Or you could take suitable ones along to your local old folk's home, or children's home. PS. I do so agree; never, never destroy books.

Answer 5

Hospitals are always grateful for books, either to put in waiting rooms or in the mobile libraries. They also sell books for the hospital on the premises.
Any charity shop will be glad of them too.
Or get someone else to take them to the tip to be recycled if you can't bring yourself to say that final goodbye. It's hard I know cos I have still loads of book I have had for about 20 years that I never read but have the philosophy "they'll come in one day!"

Answer 6

Take them to your local library. Most libraries have a huge selection of paperbacks that are donated that people can check out on the honor system. That is what I do.

Answer 7

Many charity shops are glad of old books to pass on. See if there is a local book fair that you can donate them too. Some small village librarys also like to be given donations too.

Answer 8

You could donate them to your local library for their next book sale to help them raise money. That way you're getting rid of your books, but also helping out the library as well.

Answer 9

You could always take them to you local library.

Many libraries gladly take donations, because then it frees up their alloted monies so they can get other, more expensive books. I know the library in my college even has a rack of books that don't need to be checked out -- if you like it keep it, if you want to return it, do so... and if you want to donate, they glady take them.

just a thought...

Answer 10

The Public Library here in Newport Beach has a "Friends of the Library" store. You can probably drop off your books at your library as a donation.

Answer 11

You can send them to me. I love books. You can give them to charity too. Most daycares or shelters take used books. Also, Good Will and Salvation Army. What type are you getting rid of? I really may be interested.