I have old books, ones that I think that the library won't want. Where can I take them for recycling?

Question

I don't want to just trash the books, because I think that the paper can be recycled; but I don't know where to take them so they have been piling up in my living room. Please help!

Answer 1

If the books are still good, and of interest nursing homes and the jails are often grateful to have them

Answer 2

Speaking as a  librarian - you should not just dump unwanted books in the library drop box - we often do not have a place to store them and cannot use them in the collection. You should always ask the library first before taking books to donate. Especially old encyclopedia sets. If you live in Long Beach, go to the city web page and read then guidelines for recycling. There are many items you can put in your city bin. If items are moldy or really gross - you probably should throw them away! No one wants a book that looks like it has been in the basement for 30 years and mold or mildew can cause health problems. You can always check online to see if the items are at all collectible.

Answer 3

As part of this, actually before I got into "yahoo!answers", I actually saw something called "freecycle".  It seems to be a very big and brand new thing, sounds really awesome, and there are actually other programs sprawling up all around.  I think you can go to www.freecycle.com , there are like over 4,000 communities, all over the US, and other places, and it's free, you can either donate stuff for free, stuff you don't want or need, or if you're looking for something it works in the reverse manner too! You can find something for free!! Try it out! People seem to really like this thing!!

Answer 4

You didn't mention which age they are appropriate for. If for children how about daycare centers, nursery schools, public or private schools, any school groups that are running fund raisers might take them and sell them to raise money. I second the answer about nursing homes - try Senior Citizen centers, hospitals, adult education for those just learning to read or learning English. The list goes on and on. There are some used book stores that might take them - there are I believe 2 in Rockville Centre. Hope this helps.

Answer 5

Second hand book store

Answer 6

Hi there- As for the books, I have two solutions. One is, take them to Goodwill or Salvation Army. The second is donate them to a Book Arts program, such as they have at MECA, USM Gorham Design Dept., or any local High School. For more information on Book Arts, look up the International Society of Altered Book Artists. I just did a unit on this with my students at PATHS in the Commercial Art Dept. Good luck!

Answer 7

Recyclers around here require that covers and binding glue be removed. That means that most books go unrecycled.

Look up recycling in your local directory and ask them.

Answer 8

Just drop them in the Library deposit box.  That way the Library has the benefit of lending them out through their system or selling them.  Most libraries have monthly sales of books no longer used and some have an entire aisle for continuous book sales. Either way, you'll know your books are going to good use.