Books hold stories, knowledge, and inspiration, but there comes a time when we need to part ways with some of them. Whether you are decluttering your shelves, making room for new reads, or simply realizing you’ll never read a book again, the big question arises. What should you do with your old books?

Your first thought may be to throw them away. And while that may seem like an easy option, it's not the best one. Not for the environment nor for the many people who could benefit from your old books. This is because many books, especially hardcovers, cannot be curbside recycled due to their covers and the glue that binds them. This makes donating your books a much more sustainable and impactful choice. 

When you donate your books, you’re giving them a second life in the hands of someone else who can love and enjoy them just as much as you did. You are also supporting literacy efforts, making books more accessible to those who may not be able to afford them, as well as helping reduce the waste that would have otherwise ended up in landfills. 

So here are some options on where to donate your old books and how to make the most of their next chapter.

Thrift Stores

Thrift stores and second-hand shops are great places to donate your books. Stores like the Salvation Army, Goodwill, and your local thrift shop are often willing to accept books and resell them at affordable prices. This helps people find budget-friendly reading materials for while also supporting charitable causes.

When you donate to a second-hand store, your books can:

• Find homes with individuals and families who may not have easy access to new books.
• Help support charitable organizations or help support community programs.
• Keep great picture books and other stories out of landfills to help contribute to a circular economy.

However, before you pack up your bookshelf, check with your local thrift store to see if they are currently accepting book donations. Different stores have different policies and may have certain specifications as to what they accept as a donation, or they simply may be at capacity and not accepting donations at that time. If that is the case, ask when they might be open to donations again so you can hold onto your stories until then. 

Here at Cardinal Rule Press, we are happy to help you with resources for your bookstore or library. Click HERE for your freebie!

Libraries

If you can’t wait to donate your books, libraries are another fantastic place to donate books. However, like thrift stores, it's important to call and ask ahead to see if they are currently accepting any donations. Sometimes, libraries add donated books to their collections, while other times, they may sell them at book sales to raise funds for library programs. 

When donating to libraries, some things to consider would be:

• Donating gently used books that are in good condition. If they are to be placed on the shelves or sold at a book sale, the library wants to make sure they're readable.
• Donating children’s books, whether they be picture books or chapter books, supports early literacy programs. 
• Donating a recent fiction or non-fiction story. Libraries are typically looking for new and relevant books that catch the attention of their borrowers, so if you have a recently written book you plan on getting rid of, consider the library.

And if your local library isn’t currently accepting donations, they may direct you to another organization or library that is. 

Non-profits

But if your looking for a way to make the biggest impact, consider donating your books to organizations that specialize in book access for undersupported communities.

Organizations like Making Spirits Bright and other book access nonprofits work hard to get books into the hands of the people who need them most. Making Spirits bright is considered Metro Detroit’s book bank, as they are a nonprofit that is dedicated to promoting and providing equal access to books that help brighten the lives of youth while also enhancing literacy and the love of learning. They hold events and partner with multiple other Michigan organizations to distribute thousands of like-new books directly to children and their families. 

Like many other book non-profits, they distribute books to:

• Schools and educators who lack resources to get books.
• Low-income families and children without access to books through their book drives and events.

Books are meant to be shared, and by donating them, you are helping create a meaningful way to support literacy, sustainability, and community programs. Instead of letting your old books collect dust or, worse, end up in a landfill, consider giving them a new home where they can continue to inspire and educate others. 

Whether you donate to thrift stores, libraries, or non-profits like MSB, you’re making a difference. 

So, the next time you're reorganizing your bookshelves, remember: Every book deserves a second chance!

Don't forget your free downloadable HERE!

Olivia Agnew is a senior at Northwood University, where she is studying Marketing with a minor in Marketing Communications. In her free time, she can be found reading, spending time with friends, or practicing for an upcoming marketing competition.