Frequently asked questions
Have a question about what we do, the books we collect or how our collection service works? You’ll find answers to some of the most common questions below. From unwanted books and house clearances to arranging a collection and what happens to your books afterwards, we’ve tried to make the process as straightforward as possible. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.
What sort of books do we collect?
We are interested in many different types of books, from modern titles to older and collectible books.
Collections can include:
- General fiction and non-fiction
- Children's books
- Antiquarian and vintage books
- Local and Sussex history
- Art and illustrated books
- History and biography
- Natural history and gardening
- Travel books
- Reference books
- Academic and specialist books
- Sets and multi-volume collections
- Books from personal libraries
- Books from house clearances
- Inherited book collections
Can you assist in clearing a house full of books?
Books can be one of the more difficult parts of a house clearance. They are heavy, take up considerable space and may have little value as individual items, even though a large collection can still contain books worth saving.
If you are a homeowner, executor, house clearance company, estate agent, charity or organisation dealing with a large quantity of unwanted books, talk to us before sending them for disposal.
We can assess the collection and, where appropriate, arrange collection.
Do you collect unwanted books in Eastbourne?
Yes. We collect unwanted book collections in Eastbourne and surrounding parts of East Sussex, subject to the size and suitability of the collection.
Do you collect books in Brighton and Hove?
Yes. Brighton, Hove and the surrounding areas are within our collection area.
Do you collect inherited book collections?
Yes. If you have inherited a house or library containing a large number of books, we can assess the collection and discuss collection arrangements.
Do you collect books from charities and organisations?
Yes. We can consider collections from charities, organisations, businesses and other sources where there is a suitable quantity of books.
Do you collect just a few books?
Our free collection service is subject to a minimum quantity of 25 books as shown in our Collection Terms.
How far across Sussex do you collect?
Although we are based in Shoreham-by-Sea we drive out to collect right across Sussex, including West Sussex, East Sussex and Brighton & Hove. Collection arrangements can depend on the size and suitability of the collection and the distance involved.
What happens to the books?
We aim to get a minimum of 90% of the books we collect into the hands of new readers. Yes they are sold at prices from pennies to a few pounds, though the postage costs and our overheads in collecting/storing/curating etc. swallows up most of the sale price. The books worth £10 help make it possible for me to take books worth pennies, and those that sell quickly help support the ones that might take a year to find their next reader.
What happens to books that cannot be rehomed?
If a book really has come to the end of its useful life due to its subject and content, damage or indeed demand, then they are responsibly recycled using accredited services. They never go to landfill.
