Today, we’ll discuss one of the most popular ways of decluttering: giving your old books a new life by donating them to other people and organizations. This post will be helpful if you have a few (or many reads) you want to get rid of in bulk without a hassle.

We already covered New York when we discussed the best places to sell books in the area. Today, we’ll focus on the local organizations and online resources that accept book donations in New York City and surrounding areas.

There are numerous organizations and places where you can donate books that will be put to good use, whether these are libraries, charities, hospitals, local non-governmental organizations, or local educational programs and homeschooling groups. In this guide, we prepared two lists—one with local places and another with online alternatives—that will help you find the perfect place and a new home for your old copies.

1. Local Places to Donate Books in New York
2. Online Alternatives for Donating Books
3. FAQs
   • What types of books can I donate?
   • Can I donate textbooks?
   • Do I need to organize my titles?
   • How do I donate books in NYC?
   • Are there book donation centers in Staten Island or Brooklyn?
   • Is there a tax benefit for donating books in NYC?
4. How to Sell Your Books in NY: An Alternative to Donating

Local Places to Donate Books in New York

We’ll start with the list of the organizations and stores that accept book donations.

Housing Works Bookstore Café

Address: 126 Crosby St, New York, NY 10012
Website: Housing Works Bookstore Café

Housing Works is a nonprofit that provides services to those affected by HIV/AIDS. They fight to “create the change needed to end the AIDS epidemic and homelessness crisis.” The organization accepts various donations, but their bookstore café welcomes books in good salable condition (even those prior to publication advanced reader copies), which are sold to raise funds for their programs.

They do not accept items in poor condition, with markings or excessive wear, damaged by water or mildew, or missing pages, textbooks, encyclopedias, etc. They can refuse any donations that do not meet their standards. You can bring your donations into the bookstore from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends. For more information, please contact them in advance.

The New York Public Library (NYPL)

Address: Various locations across NYC
Website: NYPL

Currently, The New York Public Library doesn’t accept book donations until further notice. However, they make exceptions for specific titles: “For donations of rare books, manuscripts, and other unique material to the Research Libraries, please send an email to gifts@nypl.org.” Contact them in advance regarding your request.

The Strand

Address: 828 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
Website: Strand

We already covered the Strand—a “Legendary Home of 18 Miles of Books” and the largest (and oldest remaining) used/antiquarian book store in NYC—when we discussed book-selling options in New York, and in this review, we couldn’t but mention it, too.

Famous for its vast collection of books, we know they have a buyback program, so you can definitely offer to sell your books to them. However, it’s unclear whether they accept book donations. We encourage you to contact the store and inquire about their donation options.

Greenlight Bookstore

Address: 686 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Website: Greenlight Bookstore

Greenlight Bookstore is an independent bookstore in Brooklyn. While it accepts donation requests from local schools and nonprofit organizations, we’re not sure about its donation policy.

You can ask them directly by sending an email to info@greenlightbookstore.com or visiting in person.

The Brooklyn Public Library

Address: Various locations across Brooklyn, NY
Website: The Brooklyn Public Library

The Brooklyn Public Library “no longer accepts donations of books and other materials from the public for its collections at its neighborhood libraries.” However, they accept financial donations if you want to help them raise funds for various library programs.

Books Through Bars

Address: 123 Columbia St, Brooklyn, NY
Website: Books Through Bars

Books Through Bars is an “all volunteer-run group that sends free, donated books to incarcerated people across the nation!” They collect books for incarcerated individuals in New York state. They focus on providing educational resources, novels, and self-help books.

Donations can be dropped off at various locations in NYC or mailed. Please keep in mind that they don’t accept hardcovers and don’t make pick-ups. Your used English dictionaries, Spanish/English dictionaries, and thesauruses will be most welcome. The full list of accepted titles can be found on their website.

The Salvation Army—Greater New York Division

Address: Various locations in New York
Website: The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army in NYC, as well as other locations across the country, accepts donations of books, clothing, appliances, and other goods. You can check the full list on their website.

To get the details about the process, call your local donation center. They sell donated stuff in thrift stores and use funds to support community services and various programs.

Reading Reflections

Address: New York City, Woodbury, and Stony Brook
Website: Reading Reflections

“Reading Reflections saw the tremendous need for books both locally and in impoverished areas globally, so had to step in.” They accept donations of children’s and young adult books, which they further distribute to schools, organizations, and social workers in need, both in New York and overseas.

You can make a donation through drop-off locations. For larger donations,  schedule a pick-up.

Staten Island Libraries—Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library

Address: 2550 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10314

The Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library is one of the branches of The New York Public Library. You can also contact them to inquire about the possibility of book donations in the area. If they don’t do it, check out other Staten Island locations.

Reach Out and Read NYC

Address: Pick up from you
Website: Reach Out and Read NYC

Reach Out and Read NYC is part of a nationwide initiative that introduces books to children during pediatric visits. They accept donations of baby and children’s literature and distribute it further to families at pediatric offices. If you have something to donate, simply fill out the online form on their website to schedule a pick-up.

East Village Books NYC

Address: 99 Saint Marks Place between First Ave. & Ave. A, NY
Website: East Village Books NYC

We’ve already covered this store when we listed the places for buyback in NY. This shop also accepts donations: “If you would like to donate books, perhaps because a librarian at one of the New York Public Library branches referred you, we can work with you on this.”

They are specifically interested in art and photography books, philosophy, mathematics, religion, occult, esoterica, new age, counter-culture, left/radical, critical theory, music, literary fiction, and a long list of other titles. Make sure you send photos of your literature (spines) to eastvillagebooksny@aol.com before you come in person.

Westsider Rare & Used Books Inc.

Address: 2246 Broadway, New York, NY, 1002
Website: Westsider Rare & Used Books

This store buys books back for cash or store credit and also accepts donations. If you’re willing to give away your old copies of fiction for free, contact the owner. However, keep in mind that they don’t accept textbooks, travel guides, Dummies Guides, encyclopedias, Reader’s Digests, Time Life, or magazines.

Also, if you have damaged or annotated books, you might better send them to recycling right away. To get more details, call them or bring your items in after 12 p.m.

ReLIT NY

Address: New York, NY

ReLIT NY (Read, Recycle, Repeat Literature In Transit) is a reading and recycling program that brings free books to New York’s commuters.

They leave all sorts of free literature at major subway stations so that everyone can read them. Apparently, donating is easy with ReLIT: you can simply leave your used books at their stand at subway stations.

The Book Fairies

Address: 70 N Main St, Freeport, NY 11520
Website: The Book Fairies

The Book Fairies is a charitable organization dedicated to spreading the joy of reading by collecting and distributing literature to those in need. They accept a wide range of books, including children’s literature, fiction, cookbooks, and textbooks (up to 10 years old).

They also offer pick-up services for larger donations in Long Island and Eastern Queens. Check their map of drop-off locations to find the closest to you.

The Book Cellar

Address: 1465 York Ave, New York, NY 10075
Website: The Book Cellar NYC

The Book Cellar is managed by the Friends of the Webster Library. It’s a nice used bookstore with a great selection of titles for all ages, from children’s readers to classics, comics, and modern fiction and nonfiction. They accept book donations; however, make sure your copies are in very good condition—hardcovers with dust jackets, no yellowed pages, underlining, or writing inside.

Also, be ready to take home everything that they refuse to accept, as they don’t dispose of books themselves. If this happens, you can prepare by reading our guide on recycling books and textbooks.

Room to Grow

Address: South Bronx Family Center: 424 East 147th Street, Floor 5, Bronx, NY 10455
Website: Room to Grow

This nonprofit organization helps low-income families with young children. They accept donations of baby, toddler, board, and picture books in English and Spanish. To donate, you can drop off items at their Bronx location.

Schedule a drop-off meeting, mail them to the provided address, or request a pick-up (keep in mind that it’s not free: there’s a $100 charge).

Online Alternatives for Donating Books

Apart from the local places in the New York area, there are also organizations that accept literature countywide. We’ve already given you a list of places where you can donate used books in the U.S. Here are just a few you can use locally.

Better World Books

Website: Better World Books

Better World Books doesn’t need an introduction. The organization accepts book donations via boxes across the U.S. and uses them to promote literacy. Then, books are sold online, and a portion of the funds goes to support various initiatives. Check their website for more information.

Book Mooch

Website: Book Mooch

This is a global book exchange system and a community-driven website that allows you to exchange used books. So, you sort of give them away for free, but the process is a bit different, and you’re in a win-win situation. You send your books to others, and in return, you earn points to request books.

Give Back Box

Website: Give Back Box

Give Back Box allows you to donate books to various charities by shipping boxes. In your case, you can give away a box of your unwanted books. You go to their website, choose a charity, fill a box with books, and send it for free. “Your boxed donations can now be dropped off at

any Kohl’s location using your smartphone and a QR code.”

World Literacy Foundation

Website: World Literacy Foundation

Finally, The World Literacy Foundation offers that you “Donate today and open a world of possibilities for a child.” You can send them your old copies that will find their way to schools, libraries, and children in need around the world.

FAQs

1. What types of books can I donate?

Most bookstores and organizations accept gently used books in good condition. Children’s books, fiction, and non-fiction are always welcome.

2. Can I donate textbooks?

While many places accept all sorts of books, some organizations may have specific needs or restrictions and do not take in textbooks, encyclopedias, or very old or worn books. Also, avoid donating damaged, moldy, or heavily underlined items.

3. Do I need to organize my titles?

You can organize your books by genre or size to help the receiving party sort and distribute them more easily, making the donation process smoother.

4. How do I donate books in NYC?

As we’ve mentioned earlier, you can either visit the many stores, libraries, or drop-off locations around the city yourself, or mail your books, or schedule a pick-up. For each specific case, check each organization’s guidelines and working hours.

5. Are there book donation centers in Staten Island or Brooklyn?

Sure. Staton Island has 13 New York Public Library locations. There’s also the Brooklyn Public Library. And there are plenty of charities across these areas that accept books.

6. Is there a tax benefit for donating books in NYC?

Most organizations provide tax receipts for donations, which can be claimed on your taxes. IRS Publication 526 (2023), Charitable Contributions, states that “Generally, you can deduct contributions of money or property you make to, or for the use of, a qualified organization.” and “You can deduct your contributions only if you make them to a qualified organization.”

So, if you donate books to an organization that fits this description, you can qualify for a tax deduction. However, please note that this is not a piece of legal advice, and you need to consult your tax specialist for a comprehensive answer.

How to Sell Your Books in NY: An Alternative to Donating

If you aren’t ready to part with your used books for free, you can sell them to thrift bookstores and online platforms with buyback programs.

You can always go to BookScouter to find the best offers all in one place. It’s a great price comparison platform to sell, buy, and rent used books. It’s a convenient buyback resource finder as it offers comparisons of prices from different vendors (30+) and can be used both by users who sell their books from time to time and seasoned scouts (you can check our  BookScouter Pro Tools review to get all the details).

If you’re looking to make a bit of money from your old textbooks, educational materials, or even trade paperbacks you no longer need, BookScouter should be on your list of resources.

We  also recommend checking out our previous articles about the best local buyback places and online resources in Atlanta, Ashburn, Denver, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Diego, Boston, and Seattle.

If your shelves are overflowing with children’s books that you or your kids have outgrown, you’re not alone. Books are magical, but they can pile up faster than toys under the couch (maybe that’s part of the magic).

Instead of letting them gather dust, why not pass them on to kids who will treasure them?

Donating children’s books is a simple way to make a difference in a child’s life. You can share stories they might not otherwise have access to and encourage literacy at the same time. The best part? It clears space for you to add new favorites to your collection.

Sounds good, right?

But the big question is, where should you donate children’s books? Obviously, leaving your donations on the doorstep and hoping a lucky kid picks them up on their way home from school isn’t the best plan.

Don’t worry, we’ve got the answers.

Today, we’ll guide you on where to donate used children’s books and explore other options if donating doesn’t feel like the right choice.

1. Why Should You Donate Children’s Books?
2. Where is the Best Place to Donate Children’s Books?
3. Tips for Donating Children’s Books
4. Alternatives if Donation Isn’t an Option
5. Share the Gift of Reading

Why Should You Donate Children’s Books?

When you donate children’s books, you’re doing more than just decluttering your shelves. It’s a wonderful way to bring joy and opportunity to others.

Many kids don’t have access to books at home, making it hard for them to practice reading and develop a love for books. Your donation could spark a lifelong passion for reading…you never know!

Plus, it gives your books a new life. It lets other kids enjoy the bedtime classics you or your own children once loved.

Another great reason to donate children’s books is that it supports communities. Local schools, libraries, and charities often rely on donations to keep their programs running.

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Where is the Best Place to Donate Children’s Books?

If you’re wondering “where is the best place to donate children’s books”, we have some good news: there are plenty of great places to donate children’s books.

Here are some places you might want to consider (based on what’s most convenient to you):

• Donate Books to Libraries

Libraries often accept gently used children’s books to add to their collections or sell in book fairs. The funds raised usually go right back into supporting library programs.

Here’s a tip to avoid having to carry a heavy bag full of books to your library, only to be rejected: Check your library’s website or give them a call to see what they’re looking for before you drop by. They’ll be able to tell you if and which donations they take.

• Donate Books to Schools and Daycares

Schools and daycare centers are always in need of fresh books for classrooms, libraries, or reading corners.

Bonus: Your donation could help a teacher stock their shelves without dipping into their own pocket.

• Donate Books Charities and Nonprofits

Nonprofits like family shelters or literacy programs love book donations. Check out US book charities for a list of organizations that accept children’s books. This is a great way to get your children’s books right in front of the eyes of kids who need them the most.

• Hospitals and Pediatric Clinics

Hospitals and clinics use books to entertain and comfort young patients. A donation here could brighten a child’s day during a tough time.

• Book Drives and Community Programs

Keep an eye out for local book drives or donation events. Many communities organize seasonal programs to collect and distribute books to families in need. If you’re not sure yet, here’s more info on why or how to donate books to charity as well as our article on where to donate used books in general.

• Online Donation Platforms

If you’re looking for an easy option, websites like Better World Books or Books for Africa accept donations by mail. It’s a simple way to help without leaving your home!

Tips for Donating Children’s Books

Before you pack up those books, keep these tips in mind:

• Check the Condition: No torn pages, stains, or mysterious crayon masterpieces, please. Of course, a little bit of wear and tear is normal. Just make sure the book is still readable and in good condition.
• Sort by Age Group: This helps organizations match your books to the right readers.
• Add a Personal Touch: Slip in a note of encouragement for the next reader. It’s a sweet way to pass on the magic. This is especially great if you know that your donation is going to go to one child, not a whole library or school.

Alternatives if Donation Isn’t an Option

Not all books are donation-ready, and that’s okay. Here are some other options:

• Sell or Trade Your Books

Websites like BookScouter let you look up any children’s book by its ISBN number to see how much it’s worth. This makes it easy to sell your books and earn some extra money from items that might otherwise just collect dust around your house.

Here’s an idea: you can use the funds to buy new books for yourself or your kids. If you’re still looking for ideas, check out our article on where to buy used children’s books! And if you need inspiration for which books will excite your kids the most, take a look at the best children’s books that have stood the test of time.

• Recycle Damaged Books

If your children’s books are in very bad condition, donating them might not be the best option. However, even books that are too worn out for donation don’t have to end up in the trash. Instead, recycle them responsibly to give the materials a second life.

If you need help with recycling, here’s advice on how to recycle books!

Share the Gift of Reading

Book donations are a small act that can have a big impact.

Now that you know where to donate children’s books, you can help spread the joy of reading to kids who need it most.

Just remember to avoid donating books that are too worn out; instead, recycle them to give the materials a chance to become another book.

If your books are still in excellent condition and you’d like to make a little money, consider selling them online with maximum profit through platforms like BookScouter.

Happy donating and happy reading!

Make my wish come true…All book lovers want for Christmas is…a book Christmas tree!

Just think of a tree made entirely of books, where every ornament tells a story, and each branch is filled with imagination. Sounds like a bookish dream, ha? If you love books as much as the magic of Christmas, you’re just in time for something special! In this article, you’ll discover 22 inspiring book Christmas tree ideas that beautifully blend your love for reading with festive cheer.

Here you’ll find inspiration to stack your favorite novels into towering trees and create extraordinary designs from recycled pages. So, without further ado, let’s dive into a world where books and Christmas magic meet!

Colorful Book Bonanza Tree

This cheerful tree bursts with color thanks to a stack of bright books. Arrange your favorite titles in a whimsical spiral or traditional stack. It’s perfect for adding a pop of joy to your holiday decor and making a bold statement in any room.

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Sky-High Book Tower

Another great idea is to take your love for books vertically with a towering masterpiece. You can stack sturdy hardcovers to reach the ceiling, creating a grand focal point. Your impressive structure will awe your guests and maybe inspire them to pick up a few titles.

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Flat Lay Festivity

If you want to get crafty with your books, opt for creating a flat-lay Christmas tree on the floor or table. Use two brown books for the trunk and layer green books above in a pyramid shape. Besides, this idea is fantastic for Instagram photos and a fun way to boost your creative skills.

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Gifty Green Wonder

Take some green-covered books and transform them into a glowing Christmas tree by adding fairy lights. Surround it with charming stacks of books tied with ribbons for extra flair. Such a creative layout enhances the festive spirit while showcasing that there’s no such thing as too many books!

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Bookshelf Tree Extravaganza

If you are a bookaholic, consider bringing the holiday spirit to your beloved bookshelf by arranging books to mimic a Christmas tree shape. Place larger stacks on the bottom and gradually decrease the size upwards. Adorn the shelves with twinkle lights and add playful Harry Potter figures for a thematic touch that will delight any fan.

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Aesthetic Open Book Tree

To create a charming tree, stack half-open books on top of each other. Finish it off with a star or a cute bow on top for that extra touch. A Christmas tree like this one combines aesthetics with your love of reading, making it a wonderful centerpiece for any holiday gathering.

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Diagonal Herringbone Delight

For a different look, try laying out green books in a herringbone pattern. Position them on their sides and arrange them diagonally, either on the floor or on a table. Dynamic designs like that offer a fresh twist while keeping your space stylish and festive.

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Pyramid of Likes

Want to impress your Instagram followers? Create a pyramid-shaped tree by placing slightly open books at varying distances. Decorate with beautiful flowers for an added touch. Similar layouts work wonders on your bed or floor, and the overhead view is simply breathtaking!

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Twinkling Book Tree Magic

What’s more festive than a tree made of books? Adding lights, of course! Wrap your creation in twinkling fairy lights for an enchanted look. The more lights, the merrier—this is a surefire way to spread holiday cheer!

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Chaotic Green Tree Chaos

Embrace randomness with this whimsical flat composition. Start with one book as the tree’s root, then scatter green books haphazardly to form the body. Such a playful approach celebrates the beauty of chaos, resulting in a unique, eye-catching Christmas tree that’s both fun and festive.

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Lazy Green Stack Christmas Tree

For those days when you want holiday cheer with minimal effort, just grab a stack of green books and—voila! You’ve got yourself a Christmas tree. It may not be a pyramid, but with lights and a star on top, it definitely counts!

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Page-Torn Tree Art

Got some old books gathering dust and wondering what to do with them? Tear those pages out and create a unique wall-mounted Christmas tree. You can arrange them chaotically for a fun look or craft a more styled design. It’s a fantastic way to give new life to forgotten books.

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Monochromatic Paper Tree

Make a soft and harmonious book tree by placing the books with their pages facing out. This way, your creation will have a beautiful, paper-like quality. The uniformity adds a serene touch to your holiday decor.

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Classic Christmas Colors

Stick to a traditional vibe by using books in red, white, and green shades. Complement your tree with matching decorations like snowflakes, ornaments, and a star on top. By the way, classic style will make your book tree look just like the real thing!

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Book Inside a Book Tree

Turn an old, forgotten, outdated book into a delightful Christmas tree. Bend the pages to form a triangular shape that pops right out of the center. Enhance your eco-friendly creation by painting it for an extra festive touch!

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Intertwined Story Tree

Open your books fully in the middle and stack them to create a Christmas tree shape. This design gives the illusion that the stories are intertwining, with the lines of one book touching another. It’s a beautiful metaphor for connection during the holiday season!

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Rainbow Book Tree

Craft a vibrant rainbow book tree that transitions beautifully through colors. Stack your books in a gradient fashion, from black at the bottom to red at the top. Your colorful creation will brighten up your holiday space and spread joy—perfect for those who love bold designs!

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Cinderella Book Tree Transformation

Instead of letting those old books gather dust, why not recycle them into a Christmas tree? Stack your books into a pyramid shape and adorn them with twinkling lights. Just like in Cinderella, watch as your forgotten collection becomes a stunning holiday centerpiece.

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Spine-Showcasing Pyramid Tree

For a more artistic approach, stack your books with their spines facing out to create a pyramid tree. This way, you display their titles and color palette, turning your collection into a striking visual feast. There’s no need to hide your beloved books!

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Paper Snowflake Tree

Remember those childhood days of cutting paper snowflakes? Bring that nostalgia into your decor! Take an old book, tear out some pages, fold them, and cut out a beautiful Christmas tree shape. This makes for a stunning and playful paper ornament that’s sure to impress.

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Thematic Color Scheme Tree

Make a statement by creating a Christmas tree in one cohesive color scheme. Choose books all in red or focus on a particular genre—like young adults or science fiction. A themed tree adds both charm and creativity, making your holiday decor uniquely yours!

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Lush Convoluted Needle Tree

For those with old, unused books, this idea is perfect! Twist the pages into spirals to create “needles” for your Christmas tree. Assemble these needle-like pieces into a lush paper tree that brings a whimsical touch to your holiday festivities.

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Final Thoughts

You’ve just discovered 22 unique book Christmas tree ideas—now it’s time to get creative! You can choose a classic stacked book tree or opt for a playful paper page design—remember that your creative possibilities are endless. Each idea not only allows you to highlight your love for reading but also creates stunning photo ops to share with other book lovers on social media. Plus, many of these ideas are eco-friendly, making your festive spirit even greener and more sustainable!

Don’t forget to explore our other Christmas-related blog posts for more festive inspiration:

14 Best Christmas Books for Kids

15 Best Christmas Books for Adults

Christmas Gifts for Book Lovers

Book-Related Christmas Traditions

Christmas Gifts for College Students

Winter Bucket List: 100 Things To Do This Winter

Things To Do During Winter Break

How to Wrap a Book

And when you’re ready to stock up on your favorite books for next year’s decorations or just looking to refresh your book collection by buying new reads or selling old ones, head over to BookScouter.com to find the best deals.

Let’s make this holiday season merry and bookish!

If the “less is more” principle has started to look more and more appealing to you recently and you find yourself reading all about minimalism and simple living, we’ve prepared another good read for you.

If you’ve already “kondoed” all your drawers under the guidance of Marie Kondo and her The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, voluntarily got rid of a few bags with clothes, and probably pained the walls in your room white, we have another suggestion. How about creating a minimalist library?

We’re positive you tend to curate your collection in some way or another, and you’ve already done your best to organize your books to make the space you live in more, well, spacious, less cluttered, and nicer. Yet, a minimalist library is a bit more than one of the ways how to declutter books.

1. What Is Minimalism?
2. What Does a Minimalist Library Look Like?
3. What Is the Difference between a Minimalist and a Traditional Library?
4. Why a Minimalist Library Is a Great Idea?
5. How to Organize a Minimalist Library
6. Declutter and Remove the Rest
7. A Sample Minimalist Library
8. Minimalist Books for Inspiration
9. Final thoughts

What Is Minimalism?

Quite a popular trend, minimalism stems from the “voluntary simplicity” movement. In a world of over-consuming, ecological and financial problems, and overall loss of meaning, it’s no surprise it got so many followers over the years.

As a minimalist, you choose to own things that you love, a selected list of things that are meaningful for you and serve some purpose. When it comes to books, this means that you only have your favorite books, the ones that you are eager to re-read or just to own.

What Does a Minimalist Library Look Like?

So, a minimalist library is your carefully curated collection of books that are thoroughly selected. It can include just a dozen of books or up to a hundred or two hundred, but still, it’s a relatively small collection. The books in such library are either high-quality, useful, or bring some cherished memories, but they are your absolute favorites.

The key idea is that you don’t buy all sorts of books or keep all the books you’ve ever read. After all, we read most of the books just once, and there’s a very small percentage of the books we get back to. In the minimalist approach, you choose a more enjoyable reading experience by choosing to keep your favorites. Besides, you save money and free up space.

What Is the Difference between a Minimalist and a Traditional Library?

When your goal is to create an extended library that will last generations and can be passed to your children and grandchildren, you invest time, effort, and money. It’s an enterprise that you grow and enrich all the time. You may start by keeping all the books you read, but you also buy all sorts of books on purpose, from must-have classics and fiction to autobiographical novels, art books, and so on. The goal is to be able to use it at any time, whenever you need a book from the school curriculum or just feel like a Jane Austen tonight.

Depending on your interests and professional sphere, you can dedicate a shelf or even an entire wall to the topic that interests you specifically. If you’re a doctor or work in the medical field, you will have books and textbooks on this topic. If you’re interested in art, you’ll include lots of beautiful art books, and if you’re a bridge lover and admirer, you’ll add a few books about structural engineering and architecture.

Why a Minimalist Library Is a Great Idea?

Apart from what we’ve already mentioned (taking a more conscious approach to the things you choose in your life), you sort of limit your everyday selection to only a few books that you can re-read at any time.

We think it’s the best option if you live in a small house and have little space. Keeping only essential books is a way to both own a library and not be overwhelmed by the number of books. With just a shelf or a bookcase to store your collection, you don’t have books lying around the house gathering dust.

You get more freedom to choose what you read by getting new books from a library, online, or anywhere else (we’ll get to that later).

How to Organize a Minimalist Library

• Make a list of what you love. First and foremost, you should ask yourself what kind of books you always want to have on hand. The Harry Potter series? The Remaque’s collection? At this point, you should also decide how many books you need, whether you’re going to keep all that you already have, and also what you will do with the new books after you read them—will they stay in your library or leave?
• Sort your existing collection. Once you’re done with the list, sort your existing titles. If you decide to weed your collection and make it smaller, place the books you’re going to keep in the “Keep” pile. Place the ones that will have to go into a “Toss” pile.
• Only keep books that you love. We sincerely recommend being very selective when it comes to a minimalist collection. Which means that you should not keep books that you have no interest in, or because it’s classics, or because it was someone’s gift.
• Make space for your minimalist collection. Think of the place where you can keep your small library. Maybe you’ll place all of your books on a shelf or a few shelves, making it look like a library wall but in miniature. Or you can place your books here and there, scattered around your house.

Declutter and Remove the Rest

In the next step, you get rid of the books you decided to toss. There are plenty of ways you can give these books a new life.

• Give them away to your friends or someone else.We’re positive that the books that are not fit for your minimalist library will be a great fit for someone else’s.
• Donate your books to charities or libraries. The same idea here; there are plenty of charities, libraries, schools, and all sorts of organizations that will be glad to get free books.
• Recycle very old or worn books. Sometimes, the books are so worn and damaged that they are not fit for a gift or donation. In this case, you can simply recycle them.
• Repurpose and use in DIY design. There are plenty of ways you can repurpose old books, from Christmas decorations to all sorts of decorations and art—just open Pinterest and get inspired.
• Finally, you can sell your books. If your books are in good condition, you can sell them. Whether you choose to organize a garage sale, take them to a thrift bookstore, or sell them online, it’s your choice.

If you need more decluttering advice, we have plenty to share. Here’re a few of our articles that you may want to check out:

• How To Declutter Your Home Fast: The Ultimate 10-Step Guide To a Tidy and Organised
• How to Declutter Books: The Reader’s Guide on Rebuilding Your Space
• 14 Declutter Apps to Transform Your Space and Simplify Your Life
• How to Declutter Your House in One Day
• The 8 Best Decluttering Ideas
• 10 Best Decluttering Books

How to Read Other Books?

Now that you’ve formed your collection and found a place for it, you can answer the next important question: where to get and how to deal with new books you want to read. Luckily, you have plenty of choices. Let’s see where you can read books that are not a part of your minimalist library.

Library. Truly, the easiest and most minimalist way to read all sorts of books is to borrow them from a library. Hardly any place is better suited for a book lover: there are all sorts of titles on all sorts of topics; besides, it’s free.

Friends and family. You can ask your friends and family to lend you books. You can also exchange books with them and, by doing so, you can read more books for free without having to buy them.

eBooks. If you’re fine with reading books on digital devices, you can get an eBook reader or a tablet and use it to read books that are not in your library. eBooks are cheaper, and you can find some of them for free. It also works well for college textbooks; in fact, many students prefer using tablets in their studies.

Audiobooks. Ok, while you’re technically not reading, you’re still getting the information. Surely, audiobooks don’t work for everyone. However, you still give this option a shot when you’re commuting, driving, or even cleaning your house. Besides, there are plenty of paid and free audiobook subscription services where you can find audiobooks.

A Sample Minimalist Library

Now that you know the basics, you can start acting. If you need some inspiration, let us help you even more. For the sake of the experiment, let’s imagine that BookScouter is creating a minimalist library. So, here’s our collective list of favorites—a very short sample list of the books that we just love for some reason or another (a very subjective reason) and would like to keep on hand.

First of all, we’re Harry Potter fans, so the series comes first (and we don’t think we need to explain, right?). “After all this time?”. “Always,” said Snape.”―J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Second, of all classical romance novels, Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice will always be our favorite. The story is amusing, the writing is beautiful, and, well, perhaps, Georgian-era England has always fascinated us. “A lady’s imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment.”—Jane Austen.

Arch of Triumph might not be an obvious choice for many. But for us, it can be summed up in the following way: a German refugee (surgeon) in pre-war Paris, Gauloises (presumably, because of “Algerian. Black tobacco of the Foreign Legion.”), calvados, an aspiring actress, hotel rooms, Laurens green, revenge, calvados/cognac/vodka again, Caporals, a man without a country, a love that was impossible… and an endless string of beautiful words put into sentences. Plenty of them became our favorite quotes, just like this one, “Life did not intend to make us perfect. Whoever is perfect belongs in a museum. “—Erich Maria Remarque.

Next comes an entire book about Mark Rothko and his works—for the sheer reason of being our favorite artist.

The Tower and The Bridge because we’ve once been so impressed by Princeton’s course about bridges (The Art of Structural Engineering: Bridges) that we simply had to have this book at home. “The disciplines of structural art are efficiency and economy, and its freedom lies in the potential it offers the individual designer for the expression of a personal style motivated by the conscious aesthetic search for engineering elegance. These three leading ideals of structural art efficiency, economy, and elegance…”—David P. Billington.

Gone with the Wind because it’s about love, war, slavery, women and power, and Scarlett, of course. Oh, Scarlett, what a character! “After all, tomorrow is another day!”—Margaret Mitchel.

The Little Prince: Whatever age you read the story, you always get a different level of understanding. It’s beautiful, consoling, and wise. “And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”—Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.

Pax: You may think that we simply like stories about boys and foxes, but it’s not so simple. How Paxe’s feelings and emotions are described is one thing; the language itself is another. And the book has so many themes covered… “The plain truth can be the hardest thing to see when it’s about yourself. If you don’t want to know the truth, you’ll do anything to disguise it.”—Sara Pennypacker.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz because it once showed us the unknown, fascinating worlds that we desperately wanted to explore. It was long ago, but the feeling stayed. “But once I had brains, and a heart also; so, having tried them both, I should much rather have a heart.”—L. Frank Baum.

The Green King impressed us immensely once and never fails to do it again when re-read. How can one story be a thriller, a guide to economic theory, and an insight into social and racial inequality at the same time? One thing is certain: the story has always stuck in our minds.

The Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children series is our Halloween favorite. It’s a universe—a parallel world like no other—that blends so naturally with real life that you never get a chance to doubt its existence. It seems like these peculiar kids do live among us, and the author has discovered the secret of this unusual, strange world. Oh, and the vintage photographs in the book add so much to the story.

Double Nationalité (in French) is one of our recent favorites (it’s relatively new, published in 2016). It’s a story about understanding who you really are, perfect in every sense: the tale itself, energy, wordplay, and humor. Oh yes, because you’ll laugh so much it’s almost absurd. We did.

Minimalist Books for Inspiration

We also have a few book suggestions on how to implement a minimalist approach to all spheres of your life.

A Simpler Life by The School of Life

If you’re looking for a simpler life, A Simpler Life is the book for you. It delves into the philosophy of minimalism, practices a psychological approach, and shows how to be simple in your life, work, and relationships. In brief, to start any change, start from the inside.

A Guide to the Good Life by William Irvine

Are you tired of the feeling of chronic dissatisfaction? Check out A Guide to the Good Life, where you’ll meet with a refreshing look at Stoicism. We’re positive you’ll find a few insights and techniques on how to make your life simpler and happier.

How to Be Idle by Tom Hodgkinson

How to Be Idle will give you a few tips on how to be idle and happy doing nothing. Sounds like something quite unrelated to minimalism? But, in fact, the connection is there.

The Minimalist Home by Joshua Becker

In The Minimalist Home, the author takes a different approach than Marie Kondo we’ve already mentioned. Joshua Becker suggests asking yourself, “Do I need this?” whenever you want to declutter. He also suggests taking it one room at a time.

We also have three more good books reviewed in our most recent article Top 3 Minimalism Books to Read in 2025. We do recommend that you check them out as well.

Final thoughts

If you’ve been thinking about adding a few minimalist touches to your house or if you’ve already done a good deal of work in the decluttering department but haven’t removed your entire library yet, we hope you’ll find our article helpful. Minimalism isn’t about not having books; instead, it’s about owning them wisely and keeping the titles through few but the ones you really love.

If your home is looking like a cluttered mess right now, it might seem overwhelming to undertake this task. But what if you could clear it all in just one day?

The benefits of this home decluttering are immediate: reduced stress, increased productivity, and a more inviting home atmosphere.

If this sounds like the kind of benefits you would enjoy, then keep on reading. Today, we will tell you how to declutter your house in one day, so that you can get this task out of the way and get on with your life in a more organized and fresher environment.

1. What Do You Need to Declutter Your House in One Day?
2. How to Start Decluttering Your Home?
3. Room-by-Room Decluttering Checklist
4. How to Sort Items While Decluttering?
5. Quick Tips to Declutter Your Home Fast?
6. How to Use Apps to Help Declutter?
7. What to Do with Old Books When Decluttering?
8. How to Maintain a Clutter-Free Home
9. Boost Your Well-Being and Productivity

What Do You Need to Declutter Your House in One Day?

Before you start, you will need to gather the right tools and supplies to make the process as smooth and fast as possible.

Here’s what you will need:

• Organizing boxes or bins for sorting items.
• Trash bags for discarded items.
• Cleaning supplies to tidy up spaces as they get decluttered.
• Labels and markers to tag items for keeping, donating, or selling.

How to Start Decluttering Your Home?

Start by defining a clear objective for each room or area of your home.

Make sure to schedule some breaks in between to avoid feeling burnt out or losing motivation. You could use the Pomodoro method, which allows for a 5-minute break after 25 minutes of focusing on your task (of decluttering, in this case). Or you can just decide on a time (let’s say 2 pm), when you get to take a longer break – a lunch break to gather more energy for the rest of the day, for example.

Having a vision of what your ideal space looks like can be great too – with that image in mind, you can stay inspired and focused on your goal throughout the day.

Room-by-Room Decluttering Checklist

Now that you know how to get started (overall), you might still be wondering how to set goals for the individual rooms and what that could look like.

You want to go with a methodical approach with the following focused steps –  that way, nothing is going to get overlooked:

• Kitchen: Clear countertops, organize pantry items, and sort through appliances.
• Living Room: Manage entertainment items, declutter shelves, and sort through decorations to declutter your room.
• Bedrooms: Go through closets, organize drawers, and review under-bed storage.

Ideally, you want to make a detailed decluttering checklist for each room or area you’re tackling.

How to Sort Items While Decluttering?

We know that deciding what to keep and what to let go of can be challenging. But if you know the best decluttering strategies to use, it can be easy – and maybe even enjoyable.

So, use the following tips on how to declutter your home fast:

• Create piles or use bins for “Keep”, “Donate”, “Sell”, and “Trash”.
• Be honest about usage — haven’t used it in a year? It might be time to say goodbye.
• Consider the condition and value of items, especially when deciding between selling or donating.

When you use a structured and thought-out approach like this, you’ll be able to dramatically transform your home – even in a single day.

Quick Tips to Declutter Your Home Fast

You might feel like this task is too big to be done in one day, but you might be wrong…

All you need are  a few quick tips on how to declutter your house in one day and really accomplish everything you want to:

• Set a timer for each room to help you stay on track and prevent lingering over decisions.
• Tackle the easiest room first to gain momentum and boost your motivation.
• Employ the four-box method by sorting items into four categories: keep, donate, sell, or trash.
• Position a donation box near your exit to remind you to drop off items.

How to Use Apps to Help Declutter?

Decluttering can be more efficient when it’s done with the help of technology – even if it seems like a task that doesn’t have anything to do with your phone at first. Of course, in general it is a great practice to put your phone to the side so you can focus on the task at hand. But did you know that there are various apps that can help you organize the decluttering process? How? They can help you schedule tasks or set reminders.

For example, apps for selling items can reduce the issues of having to find buyers, while others can direct you to local charities for donations. These tools can make it easier to keep track of what you need to do, and this can increase the efficiency of your decluttering efforts. You can feel free to check out our recommended declutter apps.

Also, putting on your favorite music (maybe even creating a “decluttering playlist” beforehand) or an interesting podcast or audiobook (check audiobook apps), can be a great way to keep yourself entertained while you’re decluttering.

What to Do with Old Books When Decluttering?

If you don’t know what to do with old books, this can pose a unique challenge when decluttering. There are several options that you have for dealing with them.

• Sell: Check out bookselling websites or local bookstores to sell your used books.
• Donate: Consider giving books to libraries, schools, or charities that could use them.
• Recycle: Recycle books that are too damaged for further use, ensuring they don’t end up in a landfill.

If you’re looking for more advice, you can find our detailed guide on how to declutter books for more insights and suggestions. Additionally, you can explore our article on ideas on how to organize books for more specific tips on this topic.

How to Maintain a Clutter-Free Home

Once you have created a clutter-free environment, you’ll obviously want to maintain this organized home. Here’s how you can do it:

• Adopt a “one in, one out” rule to keep your belongings in check. Every time a new item comes into your home, another one leaves.
• Schedule regular decluttering sessions. By doing mini-decluttering sessions monthly or quarterly, you can prevent clutter from piling up.
• Designate specific places for your most frequently used items. This habit can help keep your spaces tidy and your belongings organized.

Boost Your Well-Being and Productivity

Now that you know how to declutter your house in one day, we hope that you will put this advice into practice. It really is worth it – just to be able to breathe and live better in your own space. See it as a day of spring (or summer) cleaning. Actually, decluttering will feel great during any season!

If you have already done it, great job on decluttering your house! Continue to keep up the good habits that keep your space organized and enjoy the clarity that comes with a well-ordered home.

I know 2025 has already begun, but you can still act on your resolutions or make a new one. If organizing your home or room is on your to-do list for the year, it’s time to talk about decluttering!

After all, wouldn’t you like to live in a space that’s pleasing to the eye and brings you a sense of peacefulness and structure?

Let’s explore some fresh and practical decluttering ideas for decluttering that can help you organize and simplify your environment (and your mind)!

Wardrobe Capsule

A minimalist wardrobe – often known as a capsule wardrobe – means choosing simplicity in your clothing and reducing the number of clothes you own to as much as you can still comfortably live with.

Don’t worry; this doesn’t mean you must completely give up fashion. You have to focus on picking out the items in your wardrobe that are essential and timeless – the ones that work together to create multiple outfit combinations.

If clothes are not the only thing you want to cut down on, then feel free to explore our checklist of things to declutter for more decluttering ideas.

Eco-Friendly Decluttering

Instead of just tossing things out, why not choose better alternatives for the environment?

Here’s how you do it: give away items that are still useful to charities or second-hand stores. Recycling is another good move – many things like electronics, paper, and plastics can avoid landfills.

Selling stuff, particularly those things with a bit of value (like books, tech gadgets, or clothes), isn’t just kind to the planet – it might also put some extra cash in your pocket. Check out our article on how to sell unwanted items for more ideas on making money from things you no longer need.

Book Decluttering

What do you do with the books that you have read and won’t be reading again anytime soon? You sell them! BookScouter.com can help you do just that. This platform is great at finding you the most favorable deals for selling your pre-loved books.

Whether they are textbooks from courses you’ve finished, cookbooks you no longer flip through (or maybe you have all your favorite recipes memorized already), or comic books you’ve moved past, BookScouter.com simplifies the process.

All you have to do is type in your book’s ISBN, title, or author and you’ll see comparisons of buyback prices from over 30 vendors. This way, not only can you declutter your space, but you can also make money by selling books.

One-Minute Decluttering Rule

Are you great at procrastinating? Welcome to the club! Many people will put off a task because it doesn’t seem urgent enough, and it feels like it will be overwhelming to complete it. Your home or room might be so disorganized that you feel like decluttering it will take you days or more…so you never even start.

If that sounds like you, try the one-minute rule for an easy and fast method to maintain orderliness in your space.

The concept is quite straightforward: if you can complete a task in under a minute, tackle it immediately. Actions like hanging your jacket, shelving a book, cleaning a couple of dishes, or organizing a document fall under this category.

Adopting this rule helps prevent the accumulation of minor tasks into overwhelmingly large chores. It’s a practical approach to keep your surroundings orderly and manageable daily.

Zone-Based Decluttering

Zone-based decluttering is a practical way to tidy your living space. Instead of tackling your entire home in one go, focus on one specific area at a time.

Allocate a session for areas like your kitchen, bedroom, or living room. This way, you become more focused and effective throughout the cleaning and organizing. It makes the task less overwhelming and more fruitful.

Learn quick and efficient strategies with our guide on how to declutter your home fast.

Decluttering Apps and Tools

A variety of apps and tools can make decluttering less scary. They can assist in organizing your efforts and tracking your progress and can even spark some inspiration for maintaining tidy spaces.

Try apps like “Clutterfree”, which provides personalized step-by-step decluttering plans, or “Tody”, which assists in crafting cleaning schedules that are tailored to your home’s specific areas.

Utilizing tools like these can transform decluttering from a dreadful task into a more doable and enjoyable activity.

The Four-Box Method

The Four-Box Method is a simple yet practical way to tackle decluttering. Imagine having four boxes (or designated areas) with labels: Keep, Donate/Sell, Store, and Trash.

As you go through your belongings, each item gets placed in one of these categories. This forces you to evaluate each item’s usefulness, emotional value, and necessity. You’ll be much more efficient because you will have to make fast decisions, and you only have so many options (four).

Paperless Solutions

Going for paperless solutions can significantly reduce clutter. What does that mean? Start by turning your important documents into digital forms and choosing electronic versions for bills, statements, and receipts.

Use cloud storage services and document scanning apps at your fingertips – it’s easy. Going for paperless methods not only clears up physical space but also protects the environment by cutting down on paper waste.

Make 2025 Your Most Organized Year Yet

Decluttering doesn’t have to be an annoying chore. As weird as it may sound at first, it can be a fun activity that brings you closer to living in a more orderly and peaceful home.

Tidying up your space can also tidy up your mind and bring clarity and calm into every day.

So, let’s make 2025 the year we reduce clutter and create more room for the things that truly make our lives better. Use these decluttering ideas this year to start fresh and live a simpler life.

For more decluttering ideas and insights, read through our articles on how to declutter books, declutter and organize in 5 steps, 7 creative and practical book storage ideas.