What Can I Do with Books?

Once upon a time, we read and listened to stories out of books. Now that we’re in the digital age, bookworms are downsizing and opting for digital copies of beloved tales. If there is no more room left on your bookshelves to display your book collection or if you’re thinking of parting ways with some books, here are some local places you can donate to so that stories can be re-told and passed down to others.  

• Inside Books Project is a nonprofit that sends books to prisoners in Texas to promote reading, literacy, and education. They have three drop off book donation locations at Space 12 (3121 East 12th Street), Monkeywrench Books (110 N Loop Blvd E), and Bouldin Creek Cafe (1900 S 1st Street). They are in need of dictionaries, graphic novels, trade books and how to manuals, and many more!
• Bookspring  is a literacy program that provides reading experiences to children and their families to close the literacy gap in Central Texas. You can donate gently used children’s books and popular teen and adult books at their office located on 2006 Greenbrook Parkway.
• Recycled Reads is a bookstore that is a part of the Austin Public Library system and is one of Austin’s main book recyclers.  They help the City of Austin work towards their goal to zero waste (5335 Burnet Road).

 However, if you're like me and get too attached to books to let them go, there are creative ways to reuse or repurpose them. For instance, books make excellent planters for small succulents and book covers to disguise any e-reader. You can also start your own library! Little Free Library is a great way to bring communities together by sharing and exchanging books with your friends and neighbors. All you need is a box and some books and to register your upcoming library. Check out their website for more information on how to start a one in your community!