How to Get Rid of Old Books in Albuquerque

You've got boxes of old books taking up space and you want them gone. Maybe you're moving, downsizing, cleaning out a garage, or handling an estate. The question is: what's the fastest, least painful way to get rid of old books in Albuquerque?

Here are your realistic options, ranked by how easy they actually are.

Last verified May 2026 · Original research by Josh Eldred

Option 1: Free 24/7 Drop-Off (Fastest)

I operate a free outdoor drop box at 5445 Edith Blvd NE, Unit A, Albuquerque, NM 87107, near Montano in the North Valley. It's open 24/7. Drive up, put your books in the box, leave. Done.

I accept books in any condition — water-damaged, highlighted, missing covers, outdated textbooks, children's books, novels, cookbooks, whatever. I also take DVDs, CDs, and audiobooks. No sorting required on your end.

This is the fastest option because there's no appointment, no business hours to work around, and no interaction required. Load your car, drive over, drop off.

Option 2: Sell Them

If you have books that might be worth something — first editions, college textbooks, popular titles in good condition — you could sell them on eBay, Amazon, or at a local used bookstore. This takes more time and effort, and most everyday books aren't worth the trouble of listing and shipping.

For the bulk of a typical book collection, selling isn't practical. But for the few gems in the mix, it might be worth pulling those out before donating the rest.

Option 3: Goodwill or Savers

Goodwill and Savers both accept book donations during business hours. The downside: you have to go during their operating hours, they may not accept everything (especially damaged books), and the drop-off process can involve waiting in line.

Option 4: Little Free Libraries

Albuquerque has Little Free Libraries scattered around various neighborhoods. These are great for a handful of books — maybe 5 to 10 at a time. Not practical if you're trying to get rid of a whole collection.

Option 5: Albuquerque Public Library

The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Library system accepts book donations in good condition at most branches. They don't accept books with mold, highlighting, handwriting, or heavy wear. Larger donations should go to the Main Library after calling ahead. Donated books typically go to Friends of the Library book sales.

Don't Throw Them in the Trash

It's tempting to just toss old books in the garbage, especially if they're in rough shape. But books take up landfill space and the materials can be reused. Even damaged books can be sorted — some still find readers, and the rest can be recycled. Donating takes about the same amount of effort as driving to the dump.

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