Books
When thinking about books, please use consider first reducing, then reusing, and finally recycling.
Reduce
Voracious readers can cut back on clutter, expenses and environmental impact by using their public library to borrow books. eReaders are a space-saving and perhaps more environmentally friendly option too, if the reader is used often. An eReader device has roughly the same carbon footprint as 36 paperback books (NPR; "What’s better for the climate: A paper book, or an e-reader?" May 2024). When owning a physical copy of a book is important, consider buying second hand from a local used book store.
Reuse
If you have unwanted books lying around, please evaluate the books for reusability and sell or donate books that others may want to read (see local options below). Best selling fiction, young adult fiction, childrens and baby books, classic fiction and new fiction books in good condition generally all have high reuse demand, as do newer non-fiction and text books. Old non-fiction such as obsolete text books and encyclopedia sets and books with a lot of cosmetic damage (torn pages, a lot of yellowing, severe cover damage, etc.) typically have no reuse demand and are best recycled.
Reuse Locations in Kane County:
Public libraries and/or friends of the libraries groups: many accept donations of gently used books that are resold to support the library - check with your local branch!
Free Little Libraries: these are little hutches on public and private property that operate under the "take a book, leave a book" philosophy. Check this site for a map of registered locations.
Schools and Child Care Centers: schools and child care centers may accept donations of age-appropriate books for library or classroom use.
Thrift Stores: Many accept donations of gently used books that are resold to support a charitable mission or for profit.
Second Hand Book Stores: we have a map of second-hand book stores for buy-sell-trade here.
Social Media "buy nothing" groups: These groups facilitate the free giving of household items between neighbors.
Recycle
Many print items like newspapers, magazines, catalogues and most paperbacks can be recycled through curbside recycling programs. Additionally, the Kane County Recycling Centers accept books for physical recycling. Please bring your books to the Recycling Center in boxes if possible, keeping each box under 40 pounds in weight.
Please see page 5 of our Recycling Center Guide for more detail on the types of books and paper we can and can't accept. NOTE: we cannot take books with spiral or comb bindings.
Recycling Locations:
See list of Recycling Centers
Residential Quantities: Ten or fewer boxes of books can be delivered to the recycling centers or to our events without an appointment, during normal hours (see Recycling Centers link above)
To inquire about large quantities or library clean-outs, please
