Books are a source of relaxation, pleasure, and information. They make a room cozy, are beautiful to look at, create atmosphere. They can also be overwhelming, disheartening to move, and take up too much space.

As an almost compulsive book buyer, I am well aware of the charm and appeal of books-whether for their contents or simply for their physical reality. But sometimes, enough is enough. Periodic "weeding" is a good idea for every book accumulator. Though occasionally difficult, there are always books that have ceased to appeal and can be let go with little or no remorse. The following are a few things to consider when questioning the desirability of a particular volume.

Have I read the book? It is surprising how many books slip onto our shelves unread. Whether it was originally a gift or something picked up because it looked interesting, reading it is the best way to find out if you really want it. To give the book a fair chance, without forcing yourself to finish something boring or badly written, set a criterion of 50 pages. This provides plenty of opportunity for the author to draw you in but also allows you to set the book aside if it is genuinely disinteresting.

Am I keeping this only because it was a gift? One of the hardest things to do is get rid of unwanted gifts-particularly books that have been personally inscribed. If however, this is the only reason for a book's presence on your shelf, it is not enough. Anything else (it's pretty, for example) is better than this.

Do I like this book? Presuming you have read the volume, ask yourself why you kept it. Is it likely you will reread it? Do you have a sentimental attachment to it? Is it a useful reference book? Does it have a beautiful binding? Any reason will do: just make sure you have one.

Is it accurate? Many books go out of date or are questionable in the first place. There is no point in keeping inaccurate books around. Multiple history and science books may also be redundant: if they contain the same information, is it necessary to keep them all?

These are just a few questions to start you off in the process of sorting out excess books. Consider the things that are important to you, and don't be ashamed to keep a book for those reasons, even if they seem silly. On the other hand, don't keep a book out of obligation or duty. Be honest with yourself and experience the relief of letting go.

Finally, once you have sifted the undesired from the keepers, there is the question of what to do with them. Used bookstores usually accept books in good condition for store credit; sometimes they will pay cash. Books can also be sold online through Ebay, Amazon, and similar sites. And if they simply won't sell, the local library or Goodwill will certainly welcome the donation.