Things to do with old books Personally I think the best thing to do with an old book is read it. I don't like the idea of cutting up books -- however old and obsolete. But, if you're going to do it, then why not do something astonishing. Like this... From the Telegraph: Brian Dettmer is an American artist who takes old books and turns them into beautiful works of art by cutting away selected parts to reveal layered images and text.