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Got Books?

by Michael Nolan

If there is one thing I never seem to have a shortage of in my house, it is books.  They populate shelves and end tables, cabinets and boxes in the garage.  I think I even have some in my trunk as a matter of fact.

The other day I starting thinking about frugal uses for books - ways that I might be able to make use of some of the books that I have accumulated over the years that don’t seem to serve any purpose these days.  I’m not talking about the books that I read, or those that I may find useful for reference from time to time, I’m talking about those bulky hardback tomes that no longer serve any actual purpose (to me).

What follows are a few of the better ideas I came up with.

books 1.  How about an invisible book shelf?  This is one of the coolest ideas I’ve come across lately that will allow you to turn your old books into unobtrusive works of art that actually serve a purpose!

2.  Have a book with a great cover that almost seems like a work of art?  Why not turn it into a book clock?  All it takes is a hardback book (thinner is better) a visit to your local craft store for a basic clock set, and a drill.  Drill the hole at the center of the book face, insert the clock piece and adhere the numbers (if you want them, that is) to the face of the book.  Simple!

3.  Trade your books.  Sites like Book Mooch and Paperback Swap make it easy to offload some of your books and get others that you want to read!

4.  Set them free.  Could it be as easy as dropping a book off at a local coffee shop for someone else to discover and take home?  It sure can – according to Book Crossing.  Register your book and the location of the drop off and your book will find a new home just like that!

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