Table of Contents
Are ex-library books collectible?
Ex-library books are rarely collectible. Since condition is vital for collectors, you are going to come across books with torn or lost dust jackets, cloudy and smeared protective sleeves (mylar covers are easy to replace though), and general shelf wear.
Do old library books have value?
Are ex-library copies less valuable? The fact that a book is an ex-library copy does not automatically decrease its value. Thus an ex-library copy of a book is usually priced lower than a non-ex-library copy simply because it’s in worse condition.
Do bookstores throw away books?
Bookstores generally send unsold books back to the publisher, but some publishers don’t want to pay shipping costs on the unwanted merchandise and ask the stores to dispose of the books instead, said Kolleen O’Meara, Borders spokeswoman.
Is selling library books illegal?
Yes, if you violate state law by doing so, as a young new librarian found out.
Can you sell old library books on Amazon?
You see lots of “ex-library” books on Amazon third-party sellers, but then you also sometimes get review copies, which are not legal to sell. Libraries either sell or discard books all the time.
Can you buy a book from a library?
No. You borrow a book from a library. It is not meant to be bought and they have no sales mechanism. You buy books from a bookstore, whether online or actual physical store.
Does an ex-library copy of a book lose its value?
The fact that a book is an ex-library copy does not automatically decrease its value. What decreases a book’s value is its condition, which often suffers in a library setting. Spines may get bumped. Stamps and other marks may mar the flyleaf, title page, endpapers, and/or places.
How can I get rid of a book’s Ex-Library status?
It’s often possible to eliminate evidence of a book’s ex-library status. For example, adhesives and stickers can be removed with the proper solvents. This may sound like an appealing option, but it has drawbacks. First, such treatment generally requires the expertise of a professional conservator.
Why do libraries sell books that are no longer useful?
Contrary to what you might assume, libraries almost never sell books to raise money. They’re usually much more interested in gaining shelf space. Most commonly, decommissioned books are duplicate titles. In some cases, books may be deaccessioned because they’re “out of scope,” that is, they fall outside the library’s areas of specialization.
Is it worth it to buy books marked Ex Libris?
It’s important to remember that plenty of books are marked “ex libris,” but that doesn’t necessary add value to the book (and can actually decrease the value of the book if the marks are obtrusive). Where do ex-library copies come from?