Donating Books and Magazines

Moving On Mondays

While decluttering is about getting rid of things you don't need, more importantly, it is about simplifying your life. Once you pare down your belongings, your lifestyle will change. Less stuff means less stuff to care for. Less stuff to care for means more time with your family.

Decluttering is also about disposing of items responsibly. You shouldn't just throw your unwanted items in the trash. There are many different organizations and groups that would welcome your discards. Here are some ideas for donating books and magazines.

• Used Book Stores—Depending on the books, you may be able to donate or sell them to used book stores. Some are selective in what they accept. Check to see if there is a Half Price Books store near you.
• Libraries—Most libraries hold semi-annual used book sales. All books are donated and the proceeds go to fund library events. Check with your local library. Some accept donations year-round. Others only accept donations in the few weeks preceding the event.
• Prisons—Check with your local prison to see what types of books or magazines they might like for the inmates. Many have their own libraries and accept both fiction and non-fiction books.
• Senior Centers—This is a great place to donate books, magazines and even puzzles. These items are kept in a public area for all residents to use/borrow.
• Women’s Shelters—Women in these programs are often seeking medical assistance as well as job-search assistance. They have a lot of free time, and it’s better to use that time reading than watching television.