How Shimmy Books is Changing the Way We Buy and Sell Books
Secondhand books are becoming first choice.
In the world of fast fashion, quick trends, and next-day deliveries, it’s easy to forget that books have always been built to last. At Shimmy Books, we’re on a mission to make secondhand reading feel modern, intentional, and joyful. We are a community-driven marketplace where readers can buy and sell books in a way that’s good for both your shelf and the planet.
This isn’t just about pre-loved paperbacks (though we love those). It’s about changing the culture of how we read, shop, and share stories.
🌍 The Circular Book Economy — Explained
When you finish a book, what happens next?
Traditionally, it might gather dust on your shelf, get passed to a friend, or - in the worst case - end up in a box with other things to donate that never quite makes it out the door. Shimmy Books makes that next step seamless.
By creating a digital home for secondhand books, we’re helping readers move from a linear model of buy → read → store to a circular one of buy → read → sell → repeat.
That means:
💫 Fewer books ending up in landfill
💫 More stories finding new readers
💫 And a community of book lovers keeping books in circulation for longer
It’s small, sustainable actions like these that make the biggest difference - and they start right on your bookshelf.
💸 Why Secondhand Is the Future of Book Buying
Let’s be honest: reading habits have changed. The TBR pile is taller than ever, and new releases drop faster than we can add them to our wishlists.
But buying secondhand offers something different - something slower, more intentional. When you shop on Shimmy Books, you’re not just saving money (though who doesn’t love a bargain?). You’re making a conscious choice to read sustainably.
Every pre-loved book you buy:
💚 Saves paper, ink, and energy
💚 Reduces the demand for mass printing
💚 Keeps unique editions and out-of-print titles in circulation
And because books on Shimmy Books come directly from other readers, every order tells a story - not just from the author, but from the person who loved it before you.
📦 The Joy of Shimmying Your Shelf
We know how easy it is for books to pile up - especially when you’re always discovering new favourites. Selling through Shimmy Books gives your books a second life and clears space for new ones.
Our process is simple:
- List your books in minutes (no tech skills needed)
- Set your own prices
- Ship directly to the next reader - no middleman, no fuss
It’s a win-win: your books find new homes, and you make space - physically and mentally - for your next read.
💃 A New Kind of Reading Community
At Shimmy, we’re more than a marketplace. We’re a community of readers who want to share stories with each other.
Shimmy Club is our monthly reading inspo corner, where we are creating spaces and conversations where reading is shared, social, and sustainable. The secondhand economy is just the beginning - the real magic happens when readers connect over the books they’ve loved, sold, and rediscovered.
When you order a book from Shimmy, you often find the seller will include a book mark or some stickers because we are all simply book lovers.
✨ Ready to Shimmy Your Shelf?
The future of reading is circular - and it starts with your next book. Whether you’re decluttering your shelf or searching for your next five-star read, Shimmy Books makes it simple, sustainable, and seriously satisfying.
Start Selling on Shimmy