The following post was originally published on Virtually Organized last year. Books are a common problem when it comes to clutter, so the following resources are a great reminder for how to deal with excess . . .  

When it comes to their beloved books, nothing causes a bibliophile more distress then the thought of clearing out their cluttered shelves. I know this first hand thanks to my daughter, “Moody Judy.”  For her, books are more than just a school requirement or a way to pass the time.  The are treasured friends to revisit often, and benchmarks for remembering moments in her young life during the time she first read each book. Getting her to eat raw turnips and beets would be easier than trying to convince her to part with a book!

So, I don’t.  I know this is her “thing,” and as long as her books find their way back “home” to the bookshelf and do not interfere with the tidiness of her room, it’s fine.

But, for those who are not as attached, it is good to purge your book collection from time to time.  Some criteria for determining what books should go include:

• Will I ever read this again?  (No? It’s outta’ there!)
• Do I have multiple copies of the same book? (One is usually enough-ditch the rest)
• Did I enjoy this book? (You don’t keep bad friends around, why hold onto bad books?)
• Is it an outdated reference book? (You can find up-to-date info on the web for almost ANY topic.)

As much as I enjoy purging, though, I really do not like to trash anything that is still in good shape.  So once you have collected your unnecessary books, here are some great “green” ways to unload your stash:

1. Many libraries will accept donations. But be sure to ask them what they do with the books THEY don’t use.  I’ve heard rumors of some libraries simply tossing their books out with the trash.
2. Trade in your books at a used bookstore. Some stores will give you cash, others trade for store credit.  If you take the credit, you won’t be reducing your collection quite as much, but you’ll at least leave with half as many books as you came in with.  Do this several times and you will eventually reduce your collection while still enjoying some new books.
3. Some schools have huge used book sales as part of their spring or fall fund raising festivals (with all the funds going to either the PTA or some other charity).
4. Sell the books in lots on eBay. Selling individual books may take too much time and energy, but consider grouping your books in related lots.  Just be sure to check the shipping cost before you post your entry so you don’t end up spending all your profit on postage.
5. Find a friend who is having a yard sale and ask if you can contribute your books (recipe books are usually big hits at yard sales).
6. Freecycle.org is another option.Grouping your books in lots will simplify the process for you AND the recipient.  Just post to your local freecycle.org site, set the books out for pick-up, and know you are doing a very “green” favor for your community and the earth.
7. If you are an avid reader but don’t have a used bookstore in your town, trade your books at one of the online sites, such as paperbackswap.com, swaptree.com, or bookmooch.com  You won’t necessarily reduce your collection, but you will at least maintain it, while still getting some new material to read.

So where do YOU stand on the subject of book clutter?  Do you cherish every bound copy you have ever received, like my dear “Moody Judy”? Or are you going digital AND paperless by only reading e-books on your computer and listening to audio books during your commute?  (I still enjoy curling up with a good book . . . is it the same experience to snuggle up with your laptop?)  Let me know your thoughts and opinions!

Simply yours,
Debbie