How to Get Rid of Used Books

Got some used books lying around your house? Don't just toss them in the trashcan! Books can be read over and over again. Find them a new life instead of adding them to our landfills. As an added bonus, you may be able to get some cash--or new books--in exchange for them! Here are some options:

Used Bookstores: Many used bookstores take "trade-ins" of your used books. In exchange for your books, you often get a choice: cash or credit. You'll get more value for your books if you exchange them for store credit (typically 50% of the resale price). If you want cash, however, expect to settle for less (usually 25% of the resale price). Favorites at used bookstores are usually romance novels and other fiction. Textbooks and non-fiction books are typically not great sellers, so you may get offered even less for them.

Online Sales: Basically an Internet version of the used bookstore, there are plenty of places where you can sell your used books online. Consider an Internet auction, like eBay. Another choice is Half.com, which specializes in used media (books, DVDs, CDs, etc.). Even big bookseller retailers like Amazon allow you to resell your used books through their website. The price you'll get for your books depends on their condition and popularity. Expect to get more for books in like-new condition.

Online Trades: There are online trading or swapping websites designed to allow you to "swap" your used books. You send your books out to members who request them, and, in return, you can request books from other members. In most cases there is a minor expense, such as postage. However, it can be a relatively inexpensive way to recycle your old books and get new-to-you ones in return. Again, romance novels and fiction tend to be favorites on swapping websites, although kids' books get some attention, too.