For the most part, we like to hold onto books. We loan them freely, but rarely get rid of them. However, every Spring when we do the "big clean" and tackle the bookshelves, there are always a few paperbacks we decide to part with. Sometimes we donate to the library and on occasion we've even tried to sell them to the local used bookstore. For those of you who are in the same boat, we just found a new way to part peacefully with your used books ...
Better World Books is an online organization that will buy your books back from you. Using their site, you can input your book info, get a price quote, and then print pre-paid shipping labels.
According to the organization's press release, Better World Books keeps books out of landfills (who throws books away, we ask?!), gives a percentage of their revenues to literacy programs worldwide, and they even offset every shipment at carbon.org.
Has anyone tried this service? We'd be interested to hear about the experience.
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
I've bought from them several times and been very happy with the service. I haven't tried selling anything yet though.
view Laurel's profile
This is a fabulous service. Libraries use Better World Books all the time. The best part is as a library you have the option to choose the literacy program in your area that will benefit.
I've never used them on an individual basis, but working with them as a librarian has been excellent. I was told that they recycle the books they can't sell.
view Shana Lee's profile
I love the idea, and after reading about it on apartment therapy I went home to see if they wanted any of the books that have been sitting in the cardboard box labeled "to go" in the living room...but they apparently have pretty high standards...not one of the books in my box was found to be desireable. It was pretty diverse selection too, a martha stewart cookbook, a history book, biography, and about 10 popular fiction books from the last 3 years (mix of hardback and paperback)...don't know what they are buying, but I didn't make the cut. Off to Goodwill I go.
view jen19806's profile