Books, Books, Books

Where to Donate or Rehome Old Books in Northern Ireland

If you are here, its probably because you love a good declutter, but parting with books can be tough. Whether you’re making space for new reads or clearing shelves that have gathered dust for years, finding the right place for your old books can take a bit of effort, especially when charity shops are short on space.

Here are some great ways to give your books a new home and keep them out of landfill.

1. Charity Bookshops

Some charity shops no longer accept books due to limited space, but there are still dedicated book shops that welcome donations:

• Oxfam Books on Botanic Avenue (Belfast) specialises in second-hand books.

• Oxfam on Holywood High Street and Concern Worldwide on Church Road (Holywood) both take donations and are open to the public.

It’s always worth giving your local shop a quick call before dropping off, just to check they’ve room on the shelves.

2. Sell or Trade Your Books

If you’ve got books in good condition, you can earn a little cash through webuybooks.co.uk. Simply scan your books using their app, send them off for free, and get paid once they’re checked in.

Vinted.com also allows selling books through their app too, why not sell as a bundle?

3. Create a Local Book Swap

Why not start your own little book sharing station at home or in your neighbourhood?A small bookshelf, garden shed, or even a weatherproof box can become a mini library where people can swap reads freely.

Some larger workplaces also run office book swaps, if yours doesn’t, maybe you could start one. It’s a great way to spark connection between colleagues and share hidden gems.

4. Ask at Cafés or Libraries

Many independent cafés and local library branches welcome book donations to keep their shelves fresh. It’s worth popping in to ask before you arrive with a box.

5. Donate to Nurseries and Schools

If you’ve been holding onto children’s books, your local nursery or primary school might be thrilled to have them. Books for early readers are always in short supply and can bring joy to a whole new generation.

6. Share Through Community Apps

If you want to give books away quickly and easily, try:

• Olio app – connect with locals who love reusing and sharing.

• Freecycle or Facebook Marketplace/Gumtree Freebie sections offer a “bundle” of books for collection.

You’ll be surprised how many people love a mystery box of secondhand reads!

The Sorted Takeaway

Decluttering books doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye forever, it’s about letting them spark joy somewhere new. From charity shops to community swaps, there are plenty of ways to rehome your reads.