What to Do With Old Books: Creative, Practical, and Feel-Good Solutions

Whether you’re decluttering your home, downsizing your bookshelves, or simply parting ways with titles you’ve outgrown, you may be wondering what to do with your old books. As someone who loves to read (and also lives in a small space), I face this question often and just went through a big review myself when I moved around the world six months ago. I wanted to make sure my used books went to the right place—somewhere they’ll be read, reused, or repurposed, so I did all the reearch and wanted to share what I learned.

There are several things you can do with old books: sell, donate, recycle or even upcycle and I’ll walk you through them all. Whether you want to give your books a second life or get creative with DIY projects, here are meaningful ways to let go of books while keeping their stories alive.

First, Ask the Right Questions

Before you really dig into the options of what to do with old books, look at the books you’re getting rid of and ask yourself:

• Is this book valuable or collectible? (An easy Google search can give you an idea.)
• Does it have sentimental value?
• Is it still in readable condition?
• How much effort am I willing to invest (time, shipping, crafting, etc.)?
• Where will it do the most good?

Knowing the answers to those questions will help you match each book with its best possible next life.

1. Donate to Organizations That Need Them

Of course, one of the most impactful things you can do with used books is donate them.

Consider reaching out to:

• Women’s shelters
• Hospitals and nursing homes
• The prison system (check content restrictions)
• Homeless shelters or transitional housing
• Local hostels or shelters
• After-school programs or youth centers
• Schools and educational nonprofits
• Organizations aligned with your books’ topics (ex. history societies, veterans’ groups, environmental organizations)

Note from Jen: Always call or check their website first—not all places accept book donations, and many have guidelines on condition or subject matter.

2. Donate to Libraries or Little Free Libraries

Your local library might accept donations, especially for fundraising book sales. Some will even add your used books to their circulation.

If you want something more grassroots, Little Free Libraries (LFLs) are also a great option. These neighborhood book-sharing boxes operate on a take-one, leave-one model. My old neighborhood had at least three so it always fun to see what was in them during my neighborhood walks.

Visit littlefreelibrary.org to find LFLs near you or learn how to start your own.

3. Gift Them Thoughtfully

Books make excellent gifts—especially when they come with a personal touch. If you know someone who would love a particular story, wrap it up and include a note explaining why it reminded you of them.

I have a friend who gifts used books every Christmas. It’s one of my favorite traditions, and I always look forward to what she picked for me. But you also don’t have to wait for a holiday—a book is the perfect “thinking of you” gift at any time.

4. Sell Them (Online or Locally)

If your books are in great condition, consider selling them. Here are some places to try:

PangoBooks

This platform is designed specifically for selling used books. You just have to:

• Create an account
• List your books with descriptions and pricing
• Choose your shipping method
• Promote your listings
• Pack and ship when they sell
• Get paid and build a seller profile

ThriftBooks

Sign up, scan your books to check their buyback value, and ship them for free. It’s quick and easy, though the payouts aren’t high.

Social Media

Use Facebook Marketplace, Instagram Stories, or local Buy/Sell groups. Just be sure to:

• Take good photos
• Write honest, clear captions
• Choose the right hashtags or audience
• Meet safely if doing local pickup

Jen’s Note: If you have a niche title, rare edition, or signed copy, consider selling to a specialized bookstore or collector.

5. Get Crafty: Upcycle Old Books

I’ll be honest this isn’t my strong suit, but if you’re into DIY, there are plenty of crafty people online with creative ways to reuse old books that are too damaged to sell or donate.

Here are some popular book crafts:

• Handmade journals or sketchbooks
• Paper ornaments or holiday decor
• Bookmarks or greeting cards
• Secret storage boxes
• Page garlands or mobiles

For ideas and instructions, check out Pinterest or blogs like House of Mahalo.

Crafting is a great way to preserve the memory of a beloved story, especially if the physical book is falling apart. (Those crafts could also be meaningful gifts!)

6. Recycle Responsibly

Unfortunately, some old books might simply be past the point of saving. In that case, recycling is your best bet.

Softcover books can usually be placed in your curbside recycling bin (double check with your city). Hardcover books need the covers removed before recycling the inner pages.

You can also:

• Compost pages (if they’re free of ink and glossy finishes)
• Use shredded pages as packing material
• Contact your local recycling center for advice

Check out this guide for more detailed recycling options.

Final Thoughts: Decluttering with Purpose

Letting go of books isn’t always easy—I get it. But clearing space on your shelf doesn’t mean forgetting the stories—it means you have room for more. Whether you’re decluttering, moving, or just making room for new reads, finding the right place for your old books can actually feel incredibly rewarding.

Donate to someone in need, inspire a new reader, or give your favorite book a second life.