Books should be loved and if you are loving too many, there are things you can do to make room for the new and make sure the old are not neglected! Even the most dedicated collector and reader needs to get rid of books. And there are places out there that are willing to take them in.

The first thing you need to do is assess your books. There are some which have had a good life and are ready to be recycled and reborn into new works. If covers are torn or missing, pages are coming unglued or are missing, or the whole is damaged by water or dirt, be kind and send them to the recycling bin. Do not give them to charity (they will only have to take the time and effort to toss them), do not pass along to friends (they will not thank you for it).

Once you have determined if the book(s) are worth saving, think about the best way to give it a new life. Of course, many will give the book to Goodwill, Salvation Army, or another like organization. Or, they will pass it along to a friend or colleague. This is great... but there are other ways...

Go to Book Crossing. On this website, you register any book you want and then "set the book free to travel the world and find new readers." Once you register, you print out a label to stick inside the book and then leave it on a bus, in a waiting room, even donate it to charity or give it to a friend. The fun part is that the person who receives it can go onto Book Crossing and let you know where it ended up! You can track your book as it travels from one person to another.

Have a Book Swap Party in your neighborhood or at work. Everyone brings their cast off books, in good condition, for the others to look through and take. You will be amazed at which books some will take. You can go round-robin style and talk about why you choose a particular book, or allow the original owner to give a book to a specific person and explain why. Or just have a free for all! After the book swap, box up the remainder of the books and donate them to charity.

Many used bookstores have reader programs which allow you to earn books from their inventory in exchange for books you bring them. Bring in 10 books and get to pick out new titles I haven't yet read? Sounds like paradise! Check with your local used bookstores.

Go to your local library and ASK if they would like the book. Many people will just "return" a book to the library, but libraries are short on space and if the book is not one they need or fits their collection, they will have to get rid of it. So, ask first. Often, the Librarian will take the book, even if it isn't something the library needs, for the Friends Group which supports library programs. These Friends groups usually hold book sales to raise funds and are appreciative of books in good condition.

Senior centers, retirement community centers, and Boys ad Girls Clubs love books. Appropriate books for the audience they serve, in good condition, are always welcome.