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I used to keep every book I read. Then I got married, and my husband kept every book he’s read. And soon we were out of bookshelves. So, we bought two more bookshelves. And in time, we filled those bookshelves. Now, we’re pretty much out of room.
Bibliophiles, repeat this out loud to yourself: there will always be more books than shelves.

If you love books, chances are your shelves are overflowing. So what do you do with books after you’ve read them—especially when you’re out of space? Whether you’re looking to declutter, donate, or sell your used books, here are 10 great ideas to help you manage your personal library.
- Borrow instead of Buy. This choice is no fun, but only get books at the library so this doesn’t become an issue ever.
- Give to a friend. Share your favorite reads with fellow bookworms.
- Donate to the library. Most public libraries accept donations (check your local branch first).
- Drop off at a free little library. These charming boxes let you give and take books freely.
- Support a new teacher. Many teachers build their classroom libraries with donations.
- Donate books to Goodwill or thrift store. Help others find affordable books while decluttering your space.
- Sell on Facebook Marketplace. Especially effective for popular books or series.
- Hold a garage sale. Great for clearing space and earning a little cash.
- Sell to a local used book store. Some used bookstores offer store credit or cash for quality titles.
- Keep your favorites. Keep the ones you really love and will read again.
Share your favorite way to repurpose books in the comments below—or tag me on Facebook with your book donation hauls or shelf refreshes!
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