7 Tips to Help You Let Go of Books

January 20th, 2012 Organizing Tips

I have found that books tend to be a hard item for people to let go, there are some real book lovers out there! People often equate books with knowledge and they don’t want to get ‘rid’ of knowledge. I also love to read, but I have never felt compelled to have a large library as I don’t really enjoy re-reading a book. Anyone who knows me well, knows that most books that I read come from the library or occassionally I will purchase a used book through half.com (a division of eBay) if it can be used as a reference book for my business.

Books do give us knowledge, but it’s OK to let books go, you don’t HAVE to keep them forever. Here are 7 tips to help you let go of books:

You can always take notes on pertinent points in a book and keep the notes in a folder on your computer instead of keeping the book.
Determine if the information in the book is the most up-to-date that you can find. Perhaps you would rather google information on the symptoms and treatement for diabetes then read about it in an encyclopedia from 1976-I know I would!
Most libraries will take your books to sell them to raise money through “Friends of the Library” for awesome programs in your community. This is a great way to contribute in your community and make space on your bookshelf.
Ask yourself what is the worst thing that can happen if you let the book go and regret it? You can get it again if you need to by buying another one, borrowing a copy or checking it out from the library.
Let books go that you don’t believe you will read again. Keep books that you will re-read or use as a future reference. Again, make sure the information will be accurate and up-to-date in the books you keep.
You can make some money on your books. You can sell them at a garage sale, through a used book store or through half.com.
You can always pass them on to someone else that will enjoy them. You can organize a trade with friends or donate them. Most parents enjoy receiving children’s books so their kids have something new to read.

There’s nothing wrong with having books, just be sure to keep the ones that you love, have space for and that you will read again!