As of: February 2, 2024, 4:22 p.m
By: Anna Heyers
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There comes a time when space needs to be made on the shelf for new books.
But what to do with the old copies?
Many people are simply too good for waste paper.
Opinions differ as to whether you should or should throw away books.
Author Donna Leon, for example, sees books as commodities and has no problem with that.
In a post by
NDR Kultur
(see below) on Facebook, many private individuals also commented:
those who “would never throw away books in their life”
those who “leave books on the bus and train so that someone else can enjoy them”
and those who “disposed of books in bulk” because a move was imminent.
But what options are there for getting rid of old books if not the waste paper bin?
We present five alternatives that might also be suitable for you.
What to do with old books?
Option 1: Donate to nonprofit organizations or libraries
If the books are in good condition, libraries and non-profit organizations (e.g. kindergartens, schools, prisons, youth facilities, etc.) are often happy to accept them.
This gives the books a new chance to provide entertainment for many readers.
Just because you no longer like books doesn't mean they're no longer useful to anyone.
They often get a new chance, especially in bookcases or as donations to charitable organizations.
(Symbolic image) © Ernesto Rogata/Loop Images/Imago
Option 2: Use online platforms for exchanging or selling
If you would rather sell your books than donate them, you can do so on various platforms on the Internet.
Examples include
Marketplace
(or corresponding groups) from
,
Classifieds
or
Momox
.
In enthusiast groups on the Internet you can usually get good prices for books without reading grooves and with a color cut.
There is also the option to exchange books here or just send them for postage.
On the one hand, book lovers can get great bargains, and on the other hand, their own copies don't end up in the waste paper straight away.
Option 3: Book boxes or bookcases
Another alternative to waste paper containers are the so-called bookcases or book boxes.
They are available in numerous towns and cities, sometimes even on buses or trains.
Books can be handed in and exchanged at these points, protected from wind and weather.
This way you can pass on your treasures and free up shelf space (as long as you don't take new books with you).
Option 4: Creative use of old books
Admittedly, there are books that are just old.
In their language, in their views, in their appearance.
But that doesn't mean they're trash.
Instead of throwing them into the container, you can turn the book covers into notebooks, fold the book pages into origami, or use them as wrapping paper.
There are also many creative people on the Internet who make beautiful collages out of old books or turn the spines of books into small works of art using painting or a specific folding technique.
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Option 5: Pass it on to family or friends
This alternative for more space on your own shelf is actually very obvious.
Simply pass on books whose topic might be of interest to your friends or family within this circle.
This way you share your passion, make others happy, and perhaps have the opportunity to have conversations about works you have both read in the future.