Empty Nest? What to Do With Your Kids' Old Books

They're off to college, living in their own place, or starting their next adventure. But tucked away in bedrooms across your home are shelves and boxes overflowing with the books they loved as children—picture books they begged you to read, chapter books from middle school, stacks of YA novels from their teenage years. You've kept them for sentimental reasons, but now you're wondering: what should I actually do with all these books?

Last verified May 2026 · Original research by Josh Eldred

The Empty Nest Book Question

Empty nest is a transition for parents. Your home suddenly feels different, and you might find yourself reimagining spaces that once belonged to your kids. That bookshelf in the guest room? That stack of picture books from preschool? The collection of fantasy novels under the bed? They're all taking up space in your home, and you're not using them anymore.

Some parents keep every book for sentimental reasons. Others want to clear the clutter. Both are valid. But if you're leaning toward clearing, donation is often the most meaningful option.

Why Children's Books Matter

Children's books are valuable. They inspire young readers, teach literacy, and create memories. Picture books for toddlers, early readers for elementary students, middle grade novels, and young adult fiction all serve important purposes in a child's life. Even though your kids have outgrown these books, other families with young children are actively looking for them.

When you donate your children's books, they reach new generations of readers. That tattered copy of a beloved picture book? Some parent will read it to their toddler. Those chapter books? A third-grader will discover them. I work to keep books in circulation so they stay in hands that will read them.

The Case for Clearing Space

Beyond sentiment, there's a practical benefit to clearing those bookshelves. That spare room could become a hobby space, office, workout area, or guest suite. Shelves in the main living area could display items you actually use or enjoy. Storage closets could finally have room for seasonal items or other necessities.

Clearing your kids' books is part of the natural transition of empty nest. It's not about erasing memories—it's about making space for your life now. Your children will remember the books they loved regardless of whether they're sitting in your home.

How to Donate Children's Books

What Children's Books I Accept

I accept all types and conditions of children's books:

• • Picture books and board books
• • Early readers and chapter books
• • Middle grade and young adult novels
• • Books with worn spines or corner creases
• • Books with crayoning or light highlighting
• • Books with missing dust jackets

The Emotional Side of Letting Go

For many parents, clearing children's books can feel bittersweet. These books represent a phase of life that's over. They're tied to memories of reading bedtime stories, watching your child learn to read, or seeing them discover new worlds through literature. Letting them go can feel like letting go of that chapter.

But here's another way to think about it: donating the books lets them continue their purpose. Instead of sitting unused in your home, they're being read by children who will create their own memories with them. You're giving those books—and those stories—a second life.

The memories you created while reading those books with your children? Those belong to you forever. The physical books can move on to serve new readers.