What is World of Books?
20% off two or more preloved Thriller & Horror books… This exciting offer is just one glimpse into what World of Books is all about. With millions of used books at great prices, World of Books sells used books online to over 190 countries worldwide, offering the largest range of second-hand books—from bestsellers and classics to rare finds and everything in between. Every preloved book purchased not only saves money but also reduces waste by giving a second life to great stories. Shop smarter with incredible value, endless choice, and a more sustainable way to read, all while enjoying the thrill of discovering hidden gems that might otherwise have been lost to landfill.
Main Benefits of Preloved Books
The main benefits of choosing preloved books through this platform can be boiled down to a few eye-catching facts and figures:
- 20% discount on two or more preloved Thriller & Horror books
- Sells used books online to over 190 countries worldwide
- Offers the largest range of second-hand books online, encompassing bestsellers, classics, and rare finds
- Provides millions of used books at great prices, making reading more accessible and affordable
- Supports a circular economy—each purchase saves resources and reduces waste
Embracing Sustainability in Reading
Every preloved book purchased saves money and reduces waste, giving great stories a second life. This approach isn’t just about reading more for less—it’s a commitment to a more sustainable lifestyle. Books shouldn’t cost the earth, and indeed, World of Books offers an affordable, sustainable alternative for bookworms who want to save money and, more importantly, save the planet. The vibe is casual and genuine, speaking to those who appreciate value with a side of environmental consciousness. It’s a way of reading that aligns perfectly with the idea of passing on treasures instead of tossing them aside.
The World of Books Story
Born out of a serendipitous encounter in 2002, the unique story behind World of Books is filled with passion and purpose. A group of book-loving entrepreneurs stumbled upon a bag of books in a charity shop bin—destined for landfill—and rescued them on the spot. Determined to give these books a second life, the idea of World of Books was born. This story, simple yet powerful, highlights the transformative impact of reusing and recycling. It’s a vibrant narrative—a reminder that sometimes a remarkable journey can begin with a simple act of saving a few books from an untimely end.
Recognitions and Sustainability Credentials
World of Books boasts an impressive roster of sustainability and social impact credentials. Officially a proud B Corp since 2019, the business meets the highest environmental and social impact standards. Now, it’s not just about selling books; it’s about doing good. The company is also officially carbon neutral, having offset all of the carbon it creates, and is working ambitiously towards being Net Zero by 2050. Adding to these accolades are two Queen’s Awards for Sustainable Development and International Trade, making World of Books one of only seven companies to achieve two Queen’s Awards for Enterprise out of over 200 winners. Such recognitions are a powerful testament to the brand’s dedication to sustainability and ethical business practices.
Promoting a Circular Economy
Sustainability sits at the heart of everything this project does. From encouraging customers to buy preloved books that extend the life of printed stories to inviting individuals to pass their old books on for cash, the initiative supports a thriving circular economy. It is a refreshing reminder that not all treasures are meant to be thrown away. Instead, each book purchased or sold through this platform helps in reducing waste and ensures that great stories continue to reach readers, time and time again. This approach not only delivers financial savings but also contributes significantly to environmental conservation—each book serves as a small, yet important, building block in the fight against wastefulness.
The Project Impact
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Encouraging reuse and reducing waste
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Offsetting carbon emissions and working towards Net Zero
- SDG 15: Life on Land – Contributing to a healthier planet by reducing landfill waste
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Collaborating with communities to create a sustainable and inclusive reading culture
A More Sustainable Reading Future
Looking ahead, the initiative is set to shape the future of reading in exciting, sustainable ways. By offering a vast selection of preloved books at unbeatable prices and championing the values of recycling and reuse, World of Books stands as a meaningful example of how businesses can merge profitability with environmental responsibility. The platform proves that giving books a second life is not only economically smart but also beneficial for the planet. With each purchase and every book passed on, the ripple effect of positive change grows, driving home the idea that small actions can lead to monumental shifts. The story continues as more and more people embrace the concept of sustainable reading, making every chapter a testament to conscious living… and a future where resources are cherished and stories live on indefinitely.
What World of Books actually does
World of Books Group is a UK company founded in 2002 that buys used books from customers and nonprofits and resells them at scale, giving books a second life instead of letting them go to landfill. It expanded into the US in 2022 through the acquisition of SecondSale and SellBackYourBooks.com.
Where the impact shows up
- Circular book resale: buying and reselling used books to customers in more than 190 countries.
- WOB Foundation: donations to literacy and community reading charities, including Schoolreaders, Give a Book, First Story and Bernie’s Book Bank.
Trusted by
First Storyliteracy charity partner
Bernie’s Book Bankliteracy charity partner
Give a Book said: “The donation from World of Books Foundation means that we can get more books into the hands of those who need them the most.” First Story added that the donation would “support hundreds of underserved young people.”
Proof, not just claims
Why this belongs on a sustainability directory
World of Books supports SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production) by keeping over 100 million books in circulation instead of landfill, and SDG 4 (quality education) through its WOB Foundation’s direct funding of literacy and reading-access charities.
Frequently asked questions
Where is World of Books based, and what does it do?
World of Books is based in the UK, founded in 2002, and buys and resells used books to customers in more than 190 countries.
Which SDGs does World of Books support, and how?
SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production): more than 100 million books rehomed instead of discarded. SDG 4 (quality education): the WOB Foundation has donated over £116,000 to literacy charities including Schoolreaders, Give a Book and First Story.
How is World of Books verified as a sustainability project?
World of Books is a Certified B Corporation and Carbon Neutral certified, and has won two Queen’s Awards for Enterprise for Sustainable Development and International Trade.
Looking for similar education projects?
See Education projects on Keys for Tomorrow.
