Books

“When you have possessed a book with mind and spirit, you are enriched. But when you pass it on you are enriched threefold.”

— Henry Miller

Donate to your local library, charity shop or used bookstore

Keep in mind that the need for books will change depending on the organisation’s needs and resources, so check with your intended beneficiary before proceeding.

Usually not accepted:

Obsolete nonfiction ~ This includes guides for software no longer in use, cookbooks relying on old technology (e.g. 1970s microwave cookbooks), out-of-date information, disproved theories, out-of-use textbooks, and encyclopaedias.
Books that are damaged in any way: water stains, mould, tears, or marks on the pages.
Books with strong smells, like those kept in the house with a cigarette smoker or animals, may be disposed of before they can transfer their odor to nearby books.

Some libraries are interested in taking old magazines, particularly those of educational value. Providing they have suitable content, another option is to take your magazines to your local doctors surgery, school or playgroup. Find your nearest library.

Recycling Books

Recycle.co.uk confirm that due to their binding and glue, books are mixed materials so are not recyclable.

Books 2 Africa

Package your books and resources into cardboard boxes and arrange a collection from your address or drop-off at the Books 2 Africa head office in Canterbury. When your books arrive in Africa, they are distributed to students and teachers. The charity also accept textbooks, electronic devices and toys.

British Heart Foundation

The BHF accept books from fiction to non-fiction and referenceIf you can't make it down to one of their high street shops to donate your things, they can collect them from your home for free.

Local Theatres and Museums

If your books are historical in nature, check with your local theatre and/or museum. Books may be used as props during performances or as display exhibits in some museums.

Retirement Homes

As with other places, be sure to call and inquire about current level of need to ensure that your donation is not a burden.

Oxfam

You can donate books directly to their charity shops during opening hours or pop them into one of 300 book donation banks in Sainsbury's car parks. To find your nearest specialist book shop, use our shop finder and select the checkbox "Books" under the ‘Find shops that sell’ option.

Hospitals

Many hospitals appreciate donations of books for patients to read. Call the hospital direct or try contacting the League of Friends in the first place if your local hospital has one.

The London Children’s Book Project

This charity works with education practitioners n selected schools to ensure that your books are gifted in creative and effective ways. If you live in London they offer a pick up service or you can post your books directly to a specified address.

Swap your books

UK Internet sites such as Bookmooch and ReaditSwapit and allow you to swap your unwanted books with others. If you’re not a UK resident, check out Swap Books Page to find out if there is a similar swapping scheme in your country.

BookCrossing

BookCrossing is the act of giving a book a unique identity so, as the book is passed from reader to reader, it can be tracked, connecting its readers. Users are able to tag and track their individual books by marking them with BCIDs (BookCrossing Identity Numbers). BookCrossing is free to join and free to use.

Sell your books online

Sites such as WeBuyBooks, Momox, and FatBrain allow you to sell your books online. WeBuyBooks and FatBrain cover the cost of postage. Click here for more information on selling books online.

Ensure you set yourself a deadline to have sold them by, otherwise they will end up in your ‘to sell’ bag for years to come.