Is there any reason to carry a pile of books around with you? Do you gain anything from reading them? Is it ok to just read them and sell them?

You can't sell "most" of the important ones. There is at least one you can sell regarding an obelisk in the Neverwinter woods that you must have on your character to complete the quest. But after you complete the mini, non-essential side-quest, you can sell that too.

I think you can also sell the "Spirit of the Woods" books. But they aren't required.

I go by the general rule: If it's blue, you can sell it.

There is a book call "Initiates Primer" it is blue you need this book to translate Creator runes.

Thanks. Appreciate it.