What to Do With Old Books You Don't Want

Last verified May 2026 · Original research by Josh Eldred

1. Donate Them Locally — The Best Option

If you want to make the biggest impact with minimal effort, donating your old books to a local library, book donation center, or reuse organization is the way to go. Your books will reach readers who genuinely need them, often at no cost to those families.

Other local options include your public library, school libraries, community centers, and organizations that serve foster children, homeless populations, or low-income families. Call ahead to ask about their donation policies—some have specific restrictions on condition or subject matter.

2. Give Them to Friends and Family

One of the simplest ways to rehome books is to share them with people you know. Friends and family members often appreciate thoughtful book gifts, especially if they match their interests.

You might even turn it into a casual book exchange where friends can swap books they've finished reading. This approach is personal, direct, and ensures your books go to people who will genuinely enjoy them.

However, this option is limited by the size of your social circle and how many people actually want your specific titles. For larger quantities or niche subjects, you'll need to look beyond your immediate network.

3. Leave Them in a Little Free Library

Little Free Libraries are small, decorative book exchange boxes found in neighborhoods, parks, and public spaces. The concept is simple: take a book you want, leave a book you're done with. Albuquerque has libraries scattered across Bernalillo, Edgewood, and other neighborhoods around the city.

This is a wonderful option if you want your books shared with neighbors. Your books might end up being read by people you've never met, creating small moments of connection across your neighborhood.

The limitations: Little Free Libraries have limited capacity, so you can only donate a few books at a time. Books left outside are also exposed to weather and wear. If you have a large collection to clear out, you'll need to visit multiple Little Free Libraries over several weeks or combine this method with other options.

Find Little Free Libraries in your area by visiting littlefreelibrary.org.

4. Sell Them Online

If you have valuable books—first editions, collectibles, or recently published bestsellers in excellent condition—you might be able to sell them for a profit. Not sure if yours qualifies? Our first edition identification guide can help you check. Online marketplaces like eBay, Amazon (through the marketplace seller program), and specialized bookselling sites offer this opportunity.

The reality: Most used books sell for common reading copy range and you'll spend significant time listing, photographing, and shipping them. After accounting for packaging materials, shipping costs, and marketplace fees, the financial return is often minimal. For the average used book, you might net 50 cents.

This approach makes sense if you have a small collection of genuinely valuable books or if you enjoy the selling process. For most people clearing out their shelves, the time investment rarely justifies the return. For a fuller breakdown of the math, read my guide on selling vs. donating books in Albuquerque. Consider donation instead—it's faster, easier, and often more impactful.

5. Recycle Them — Only as a Last Resort

If your books are damaged beyond use—water-damaged, moldy, or falling apart—recycling may be necessary. Check your local recycling program to see if they accept books; many curbside programs do.

Important to know: Recycling books destroys them. The binding and pages are processed into pulp, losing forever the content and value that book contained. While it's better than landfilling, recycling should always be your last resort after all donation and reuse options are exhausted.

Even books in rough condition are often accepted by literacy organizations and libraries. I accept books in any condition, so before you recycle, check if a local organization will take them. It makes a real difference.

Don't Throw Books in the Trash

While it might be tempting to simply toss old books in the garbage, resist the urge. Books are made from paper and materials that take decades to decompose in landfills. In a landfill environment where sunlight, moisture, and bacteria are limited, books can take 100+ years to break down.

More importantly, books still have value—whether that's educational, recreational, or personal to someone out there. The few minutes it takes to donate them instead of throwing them away gives your books a genuine second life and supports important literacy and community work.