We all cherish our books; they are our friends of long acquaintance with experiences, wanderings, and knowledge. But sometimes our shelves get too many papers, and it’s high time to say goodbye to some of these paper companions. Whether it’s downsizing due to a smaller place, clearing unwanted things out of your home, or it’s just a matter of space. Deciding what to do with old books is challenging! There are several meaningful ways to give your old books new life (recycling, repurposing, giving them new homes).
While you decide what to do with your old reads, let us help you bring your new story to life! Explore our publishing services
Finding New Homes for Your Old Books
1. Create a Neighborhood Book Exchange
You’ve probably spotted those charming little book houses around town. Why not start one on your own street? Fill it with old books from your collection and watch as neighbors begin to swap titles. It’s a wonderful way to build community spirit, inspire readers of all ages, and free up your shelves. The nonprofit Little Free Library offers guidance on building your own and has mapped over 150,000 exchanges worldwide.
2. Support Good Causes With Your Old Books
Your already-read books can become another person’s exciting revelation. Donating old books to your local library or to a charity thrift store might be considered. Goodwill and Refugees (State Choice) and similar organizations eagerly accept book donations, and there are local churches and humane societies that operate shops that transform your old books into money for their calling. Better World Books drop boxes convert your donations into assistance for literacy programs all over the world. Some cities, Pickup Please will even collect small boxes of books and use sales proceeds to help veterans.
3. Ship Books to People in Need
Many organizations distribute old books to communities lacking access to reading materials. Books To Prisoners sends donated books to incarcerated individuals. ADERC delivers books to communities in the Congo. Reader to Reader places children’s and young adult books in under-resourced schools across America. Kids Need to Read ensures your donated books reach children in need throughout the U.S.
DIY Projects for Old Books
4. Transform a Book into a Planter
With some patience and a utility knife, you can turn an old book into a charming planter. Cut a cavity into the pages (working in small batches), line it with plastic, and nestle a potted plant inside. It makes for a conversation piece any book lover would appreciate.
5. Craft Bookmarks from Spines
If you wish to repurpose old books, use mass-produced rather than rare volumes. Attempt to take out the spines from hardcover books with care; drill a small hole on the top and thread ribbon or leather to very nice bookmarks. These are nice presents for those who read as well.
6. Recycle What Can’t Be Reused
If your old books are destroyed past the point of salvage, recycling is a sensible choice. While most local recycling programs will take paperbacks and hardcovers (without covers), these are designated as mixed paper. One ton of recycled paper to Earth911 saves three cubic yards of landfill space, 380 gallons of oil, 17 trees, 4,000 kilowatts of energy, and 7,000 gallons of water. Use the recycling locator to find a recycling facility nearby that accepts books.
7. Create a Book Page Wreath
Turn old book pages into beautiful door decor. Cut pages into small pieces and attach them to a wreath base using pins or glue. There are plenty of online tutorials to guide you through the folding and arrangement techniques for a stunning result.
8. Design a Literary Timepiece
An old hardcover book can become a unique wall clock with minimal effort. All you need is a clock movement kit from a craft store. Just drill a hole through the cover, attach numbers to the front, and insert the mechanism. Display your creation standing upright or mounted on the wall.
9. Hollow Out a Secret Book Safe
Create a hidden storage space by transforming an old hardcover into a secret compartment. Glue the pages together, then carefully cut a cavity inside once dry. Work slowly through layers of pages until you reach your desired depth. Seal the interior with a water-glue mixture, and once dry, use it to hide small valuables among your other books.
10. Build a Book Stack Lamp
Give old books a new purpose as a custom lamp base. Purchase a lamp kit and shade, then stack 8-10 hardcovers. Drill through each book’s center and create a channel in the bottom book for the power cord. Thread the books onto the lamp rod, assemble according to instructions, and top with your chosen shade for a one-of-a-kind lighting fixture.
Sharing Old Books With Others
11. Visit a Used Bookstore
Local secondhand bookshops may buy, accept donations of, or offer trade-in credit for your old books. Some specialize in specific genres or subjects, so check their policies before bringing in your collection.
12. Create an Art Journal
Transform a hardcover into a canvas for your creativity by painting, drawing, or collaging over the printed pages. This “altered book” approach honors the original work while creating something entirely new, often incorporating existing text into the artistic expression.
13. Organize a Book Exchange
Gather friends who love reading and host a swap event. Everyone brings old books they’re ready to part with and takes home new-to-them titles. Set a goal to leave with fewer books than you brought to help declutter your shelves while enjoying social time.
14. Offer Books for Free
Post your used books on free community groups such as Freecycle, Next door, or on Facebook groups and invite people to get them for free. If you reside in a high-traffic area, all you have to do is put them outside & advertise & you will get loads of new owners.
15. Sell Valuable Editions
If you have uncommon vintage, or out-of-print older books, you can sell them to online booksellers such as Book Scouter or Abe Books. Enter the ISBN to find buyers, ship with prepaid labels, and receive payment. Your books find appreciative new homes while you gain extra space and some cash. Amazon also accepts used book listings.
16. Personal Gift Special Volumes
Pass meaningful old books directly to people who would appreciate them. Include a message on why you chose one of the specific books for them, adding some personal points to your gift.
Keep that in mind, whether recycling, upcycling, or rehoming your old books, you’re adding a page to these stories while making room for more reading thrills