Giving away old school textbooks: what helps and when
Updated November 5, 2026
A full set of textbooks costs a family more than many can easily spare, and last year’s set usually sits on a shelf. Given at the right time, with the right details, it saves a student’s family real money.
Check the books are still in use
Syllabuses change. Before posting, check that the board still uses that edition — GSEB, CBSE or another board — for that standard. A current-syllabus set is asked for quickly; an outdated one is better given to a library or as general reading.
Pages should be complete and readable. Pencil notes are fine; missing pages are not.
Say exactly what it is
Students search for their own standard, board and medium. A title like “Std 8 GSEB Gujarati medium — full set” tells the right family at once that it is for them. In the description, list which subjects are included and any that are missing.
Guides, notebooks with clean pages and geometry boxes can go in the same listing as the set.
Post at the right time
In Gujarat the school year begins in June, so most families look for books from April to June, after results. Post as soon as your child has finished with them; a set posted in March is collected long before one posted in July.
Hand them over
On Sath Sahakar Seva, families send a request saying who the books are for. You choose one, and only then are your phone number and address shared with them. Tie the set together so nothing is left behind. Nothing is paid by anyone.