As we start spending more time indoors, decorating for the holidays, or simply looking around our homes with fresh eyes, we tend to notice things we’ve stopped seeing.
And for many of us, that includes books.
Books are one of those things that can be surprisingly difficult to declutter. We remember where we bought them, who gave them to us, how much we loved the story, or the stage of life we were in when we read them. Children’s books can be even harder because they’re tied to so many memories.
But keeping every book you’ve ever enjoyed isn’t the only way to honor it.
If your shelves are overflowing, consider asking yourself:
Will I realistically read this again?
If the answer is yes, keep it. The goal isn’t to get rid of all your books. Hold onto your favorites, meaningful books, reference books you actually use, and the children’s stories that hold special memories.
But those novels you enjoyed and probably won’t reread? The stack of books you’ve already finished? The picture books and chapter books your kids have long since outgrown?
Those may be able to have a second life with someone else.
Here are some places in the Greater Portland area to consider when you’re ready to pass books along.
Maine Needs
2385 Congress Street, Portland
Maine Needs distributes essential items to individuals and families throughout Maine through partnerships with social workers, teachers, nurses, outreach workers and other community organizations.
Children’s books may be useful to the families they serve, although their needs change frequently.
Maine Needs does not have a public phone number, so check their current-needs list here before making a trip or contact them at info@maineneeds.org with questions.
This can be a particularly nice option for gently used children’s books that are clean and in excellent condition.
Book Fairy Pantry Project
The Book Fairy Pantry Project, founded here in Maine, works to get books into the homes of children who might not otherwise have easy access to them.
Volunteers collect new and gently used children’s books and redistribute them through community programs, food pantries and other locations that serve families.
Visit BookFairyPantryProject.org for current donation information.
This is a wonderful destination for gently used picture books, early readers and books for older children and teens that your family has outgrown.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine
Another place worth checking with is the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine, particularly if you have books appropriate for elementary-age children, middle schoolers or teens.
Portland Clubhouse
277 Cumberland Avenue, Portland
207-874-1070
South Portland Clubhouse
169 Broadway, South Portland
207-874-1075
Because organizations’ needs and storage space change, call first before bringing books and ask whether they are currently accepting them and which age ranges or types would be most useful.
ShelfLife Project
Books can also be an especially valuable resource in correctional facilities, where access to reading material may be limited.
The ShelfLife Project is a Maine-based organization that provides donated secondhand books to correctional facilities throughout the state.
Rather than trying to donate directly to a prison, which may have strict rules about what can be accepted and how books are delivered, ShelfLife helps get appropriate books into the hands of incarcerated readers.
Visit ShelfLifeProject.org to check their current donation guidelines and learn which types of books they are most in need of.
This can be a meaningful option for adult fiction, nonfiction and other gently used books that are still in good condition.
Maine Veterans’ Homes – Scarborough
Another wonderful local option is Maine Veterans’ Homes in Scarborough, which provides long-term care, residential care, memory care, rehabilitation and skilled nursing services to Maine veterans.
Their in-kind donation information specifically includes items such as books, magazines and DVDs for resident use.
Maine Veterans’ Homes – Scarborough
290 US Route 1, Scarborough
207-883-7184
Because residents’ needs and available storage can change, call first and ask what types of books would be most useful before dropping them off.
Large-print books, current novels, biographies, history and other easy-to-enjoy reading material may be especially appreciated.
Portland Recovery Community Center
Adult books may be useful in places we don’t immediately think of when decluttering.
The Portland Recovery Community Center provides support, education and resources to people in recovery and those affected by addiction.
102 Bishop Street, Portland
207-553-2575
If you have contemporary fiction, memoirs, inspirational books or other adult reading material in excellent condition, it’s worth giving them a call and asking what they may currently be able to use.
McAuley Residence
McAuley Residence, a program of Northern Light Mercy Hospital, supports women recovering from substance use disorder and their children.
Because the needs of residents change, contact Northern Light Mercy before bringing donations.
207-879-3286
Books for women as well as age-appropriate books for children may be useful, but always call first to find out what they currently need and have room to accept.
Crossroads
Crossroads provides residential and outpatient treatment and recovery services in Southern Maine. Its residential programs support women working through substance use and other challenges.
Before bringing books or other in-kind donations, call to see what they are currently accepting.
877-978-1667
Books can be a comforting source of entertainment, encouragement and distraction during a difficult season of someone’s life, so this is another community organization worth checking with.
Portland Public Library
Libraries are probably one of the first places we think of when we have books to donate, but every library has its own donation policies.
Portland Public Library
5 Monument Square, Portland
207-871-1700
Portland Public Library accepts certain gently used books and other materials, often for book sales that help support library programs and operations.
There are some materials libraries may not be able to use, including outdated reference books, encyclopedias, textbooks or books that are damaged, musty or moldy.
And don’t forget your own town library. Scarborough, South Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Falmouth and other local libraries may have their own book sales or donation programs.
A quick call before loading up your car can save you a wasted trip.
Little Free Libraries
If you only have a handful of books, a Little Free Library can be one of the easiest ways to pass them along.
You’ll find them throughout Greater Portland in neighborhoods, near schools, on walking routes and outside local businesses.
They’re especially helpful when you have just a few good-quality novels or children’s books rather than several boxes.
Just be mindful not to overfill them. If the library is already packed, choose another location.
One Last Thing Before You Donate
Giving something away doesn’t automatically make it useful.
Before donating books, take a minute to check their condition. If a book is moldy, musty, water-damaged, falling apart or very outdated, donating it simply passes the responsibility of disposing of it on to someone else.
When possible, donate books that you would feel good giving to a friend.
And remember: you don’t need to empty your bookshelves.
Keep the books you love. Keep the ones you’ll read again. Keep the bedtime story that immediately takes you back to when your child was four.
But you also don’t have to keep every book simply because it once meant something to you.
Sometimes passing it along and knowing someone else may enjoy it is a pretty good ending to the story.
When I’m helping clients declutter their homes, books are often part of the process. If clients decide they’re ready to let some go, I’m happy to take appropriate donations with me and help get them to organizations in our community whenever possible.
It’s one small way to make letting go a little easier and help useful things find their next home.
Hi! I’m Amy, a professional home organizer in Maine. I travel within 30 miles of Portland, Maine clearing clutter from people’s homes. I take away the overwhelm and stress that having too much stuff can cause by working with you to help you release what no longer serves you and thoughtfully organize the items you want to keep in a way that functions for you and your family. I’ll even remove and drop off your donations, recyclables and trash.
Click here to schedule a complimentary phone consultation with me to talk about how I can help you feel stress-free and at peace in your home!
