Whether you’re moving overseas, into a smaller space, or simply in the mood for a bit of spring cleaning, Parisian bookworms looking to quickly unload boxes of books have several options in Paris where they can be donated to a good cause. In any case, don’t just throw them out!
OXFAM France accept books, DVDs and CDs at both boutiques.
– 8 rue Saint Ambroise, 11th, tel 01 43 55 94 06, Tues-Sat 11:30am-7:30pm
– 61 rue Daguerre, 14th, tel 01 42 79 83 10, Mon-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 10:30am-1:30pm
Emmaüs accepts books at all of their boutiques (check the website for more addresses).
– 22 bd Beaumarchais, 11th, tel 01 47 00 70 44, Mon 2:30-6:30pm, Tues-Sat 11am-2pm and 2:30-6:30pm
– 54 rue de Charonne, 11th, tel 01 48 07 02 28, Mon 2:30-6:30pm, Tues-Sat 11am-2pm and 2:30-6:30pm
– 105 bd Davout, 20th, tel 01 46 59 13 06, Mon 3-7pm, Tues-Sat 11am-2pm and 3-7pm
Bibliothèques sans Frontières (Librairies without Borders) This organization collects books to stock librairies in developing countries. They accept books in Eglish and French athat are in good condition (no tattered paperbacks), no markings on the pages, and they do NOT accept guidebooks, religious books, law books older than three years or scientific books older than 10 years. They have collection points all over Paris and the suburbs.
Les Orphelins Apprentis d’Auteuil accepts all books ingood condition, English or French, for their boutique “Auteuil Bonnes Affaires“. 40 rue de la Fontaine, 16th, tel 01 44 14 75 75.
La Librairie Solidaire accept all books in good condition, French or English. 30 rue d’Hauteville, 10th, tel 01 84 06 33 24, open Wed-Fri noon-7pm.
RecycLivre will actually come pick up your books, CDs, DVDs, video games and records in Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux. They should be in good enough condition for them to sell (ie no encyclopedias, guide books, magazines, or school books).
SOS Helpline does two annual book sales to help support their non-profit English language listening line. They only accept books donations the day of the sales, so check their website for the upcoming dates.
I actually find that if I put a box of books with a small sign that says “Free (any remaining will be taken to Emmaüs tomorrow)” in the lobby of my building that 95% of them will be gone by the morning. But only do this if your neighbors wouldn’t be annoyed by that type of thing. Mine love getting free books in English!
Click here if you’re looking for English book shops in Paris.
Some of the best books on Paris believe it or not are published by the Japanese (often in minimal French +Japanese)but loaded with pictures and maps..2nd-hand books can be found at BOOK-OFF for a mere 2€ on 29, rue Saint Augustine. Plus manga etc.
SOS Help can currently organise pick up/ drop off points for good quality English books in advance of their autumn sale. For info, email admin@soshelpline.org
Now if only I could get my husband to part with them! He's French, so he thinks any book, even a 10-year-old Zagat guide, is invaluable…