About NearbyReads
Our Mission
NearbyReads is a new way communities can buy, sell, share and discover books. We believe that every book deserves multiple readers, and every reader deserves access to a diverse library without breaking the bank or harming the environment. Our platform connects book lovers in local communities, making it easy to share books with neighbors who share your passion for reading.
Why NearbyReads Exists
Build Community By Putting Books in People's Hands
Greater time on some social media platforms and consuming digital content, now more than ever, has been linked to feelings of depression, anxiety, loneliness and isolation. NearbyReads seeks to offer and enable a simple, offline remedy to the issues born from increasingly digital lives: reading and sharing literature.
Reduce Bookwaste
In the US 32 million trees are used to produce physical books. Every year, 320 million books are discarded annually in the US. By some estimates, as of 2025 between 65-95% of returned books are destroyed. Producing physical books is a resource heavy endeavor. Every book listed on NearbyReads helps avoid contributing to the ~320 million discarded books each year in the US.
Offer Another Way to Find Books
NearbyReads is not here to replace other ways of buying, selling and discovering books. NearbyReads was designed to be another way to buy, sell and discovery. If you prefer to rent books from your local library, or buy on Amazon or buy from a major name used book seller, that's great! We're just happy you found the book you're looking for. As you're looking for that book or opening yourself up to finding something new, NearbyReads is here to be that other source of discovery.
Why Choose NearbyReads?
Save Money
Access hundreds of books without buying them all. Share the cost of reading with your community.
Eco-Friendly
Reduce waste by giving books multiple lives. One book can bring joy to dozens of readers.
Build Connections
Meet fellow readers in your area. Share recommendations and discover new favorites.
Declutter
Free up shelf space while ensuring your books continue to be loved and read by others.
Our Values
- Community First: We believe in the power of local connections and neighborhood bonds.
- Sustainability: Every shared book is a step toward a more sustainable future.
- Accessibility: Reading should be accessible to everyone, regardless of budget.
- Trust & Safety: We prioritize creating a safe, trustworthy platform for all users.
- Sovereignty: We prioritize digital and personal sovereignty. Physical media and ownership is the greatest demonstration of those values.
- Self-Governance: NearbyReads is here to empower people to manage their relationships with their neighbors without excessive mediation, moderation and guidance. Our goal is to be the platform by which people connect on and the relationships formed belong to the individuals connecting.
- Simplicity: "Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated." - Confucius