What to Do with Unwanted Books and CDs

Ah, so you've just been through your attic, and now you've found a collection of books and CD's you don't want. The truth is that Tony Basil and the Baha Men just aren't as 'cool' as they once were. Now you're stuck with the bitter memories of $15 that you can't get back. You could bite your tongue and cast them a blind eye - which is probably why they were lurking in your attic in the first place - or you could do something useful with them.

Now, I'm no artist myself, but I've seen some CD art, and it was pretty hip. By "hip" I mean that I enjoyed walking into a room and being blinded by a wall of shining plastic. I've also seen them used to make carpet, but I'm not sure if that was divine inspiration or poor housekeeping. Consider storing books in bookcases for effect, turning your ordinary "guest room" into a "study" or "library".

How about some more practical uses (not that art isn't practical). If you need to raise the height of your computer monitor etc, you might consider a book. Ever have one of those chairs with that uneven third leg? An Atlas from 1976 might be just the thing you need. Make a secret container out of a book by cutting out sections of pages (a sharp knife and venerable amount of patience needed here).

Thrift stores, group homes, churches, and many other nonprofit organizations will be glad to take used books. Libraries usually don't mind if someone wants to donate a few thousand words or so to their archives. You could donate them to a charity of your choice or even an assisted living facility. Soldiers stationed overseas who might not have access to adequate public libraries might enjoy a few books to share as well. I personally got a used version of The Hobbit in fifth grade - a life changing event, of course.

Last - and certainly not least - are ways to make money with old books and Cd's. Garage sales are a good way to make money from old books and music collections; some neighborhoods even have a 'garage sale day'. There are secondhand music (and book) stores scattered around if you want some quick change. You might consider selling them at a flea market or on Ebay. There are even a few sites that arrange for the exchange of used books.