Help University Libraries + get free books

To create additional teaching, research and learning spaces for students and faculty, Ohio University Libraries is parting ways with approximately 300,000 books and journal issues. 

For more information about this project, please see: https://www.ohio.edu/news/2025/11/ohio-university-libraries-announces-deaccessioning-project-explains-how-it-will-work 

Though these items are not rare, and have not been used in some time, University Libraries would like to see them go to a good home.  If you are interested in owning any of the items available, please drop by the Alden Library on one of our dedicated pick-up days to retrieve them.

You can see the list of the items here.

FAQs from University Libraries for book pick-up days

When are the pick-up days?

Pick-up times are limited to the following days between the hours of 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.: 

• Thursday, 1/8/2026
• Friday, 1/9/2026
• Thursday, 1/15/2026
• Friday, 1/16/2026

What is the process for taking free books?

• Find the list here.
• Locate books of interest on the list and be sure to write down the complete call number.
• Find your book in the stacks in Alden Library.
• Take your books to the Fourth Floor Service Desk of Alden Library and let staff know they are on the deaccession list.
• Staff will verify that items are on the list.
• Staff will mark the items as "withdrawn."
• Take your books home.

Can I request the books to be held on the self-pickup shelves in Alden?

No, these books are not eligible for self-pickup service.  

Will you go get the books for me?

You will need to retrieve the books yourself, but staff will be available to help you navigate to the correct location.

Can you hold the books for me?

We are sorry, but University Libraries cannot hold books on this list for you.

Will you look these books up for me in Library Search to see if they are still available?  If the book is not on the shelf, will you look for it for me?

No. Because the process is first-come-first-served, University Libraries has to assume that a book not on the shelf has already been picked up.  

Will the list be updated as items are no longer available?

No, the list will not be updated throughout the pickup periods.

I’m not affiliated with the University.  Am I eligible to have these books?

Yes, all are eligible.

Will you help me carry books or load my car?

The discard day is entirely self-service.

Can I use a book cart to pull my books?

Please do not move any book carts in the stacks. Library equipment is not available for retrieving books.

Will you provide bags or boxes?

Users are encouraged to bring their own bags or boxes to carry their books.  The library is unable to provide boxes or bags.