Advanced book thrifting opens up a treasure trove of unique and affordable books waiting to grace your shelves. Whether you’re a seasoned book collector, resaler, or a casual reader looking to expand your library, this is truly an extensive guide to help you find mountain of books!
Why Advanced Thrifting For Used Books Is Worth It
In a world dominated by online reading and infinitely searchable information online, advanced thrifting for used books might not seem like a bargain to some. Although I know I don’t need to convenience all of you who love books no matter what! Here’s three reasons you may want to own physical old books:
History Keeper
If I could convince you to fill your shelves with old books, I’d probably pull an old classic off my shelf. I’d then ask you this, “How can we ensure this classic doesn’t disappear from human interest?”. The answer is not only to preserve books, and be well acquainted with them, but share them with others to incite more interest. Collecting classics and historical writings, and passing those books to the next generation, is not just for book antiquarians. Every year libraries let go of hundreds of books, if not thousands, due to disinterest. Should mass interest and opinion be the standard of what libraries carry? It might not be in our interest to save all books, but why not save the best history has to offer?
Thrifty Finds
It can be a bargain to find old unwanted books, if you look at the right places. Garage sales, online marketplaces, and estate sales offer a treasure trove of used books at rock-bottom prices. Many sellers don’t realize the true value of their books, so you can snag incredible deals. Scaning shelves at garage sales for hidden gems can lead you to vintage editions or unwanted out-of-print titles. Scour online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for bulk book lots sold by motivated sellers. Estate sales frequently unload entire home libraries. With a keen eye and some savvy shopping, you’ll build an impressive book collection without breaking the bank.
Resale Value
You may be interested in turning a profit whilst you shop, and turning your book thrifting into a business. You’ll want to start by researching book values to better understand what makes a book collectable or valuable. You don’t have to have a brick-and-mortar building to make this business work. There are companies offering to pay booksellers to send them old unwanted books for them to ship eager buyers. Many booksellers also take to social media. You’ll want to circle often to your local thrift stores or online platforms increase your chances of finding literary gems.
All The Ways To Find Secondhand Books
Here’s how you can uncover unique literary gems online and support your local community too. The secondhalf of this article is link-heavy to help you find all sorts of used books!
Local Classifieds
Never knock checking local classifieds for books, or selling books there! Not that I have done it a lot, but I have listed books on facebook marketplace. It’s surprising the right buyer finds my ads and are excited for me to ship books to them! The key is to use specific language about the book (title, author, condition, and synopsis). Take good bright pictures of both the outside and contents of the book. Offer tracked shipping for a specific price to encourage buyers that it’s no trouble. In the description, clarify what you expect that process to look like, and no less, regarding payment. It’s always nice when you can find a gem through your local listings, and pick it up right away!
Library Sales
Did you know libraries throw away hundreds of books each year due to disinterest? Libraries will often try to sell these books at affordable prices, often to support local programs. I have discovered that library books can end up delivered to a recycling depot in dumpster-sized loads! Ask your local library how they process books out of the library, and if there are any scheduled book sales. Who knows, maybe you could be the one to start a used bookshop by making a deal with your library.
Thrift Stores
I have had the most success with finding many stacks of children’s books from the thrift store. There are oodles of cookbooks, textbooks, travel books, DIY tutorials, and so many paperback novels at thrift stores! Some thrift stores are getting smart about what’s valuable and what isn’t. I’m starting to see even more clothbound books and sets placed behind glass displays with higher prices. It’s good to scope out what your thrift stores are like! I was surprised to find at my local thrift store that it was “fill a basket of books for $5 day”. Well, a few minutes later I went home happy with a stack of books! So be sure to check for signs or ask the front desk if there are book sale days, reward programs, and deals when you buy more than one book to make your dollar go further!
Garage Sales
Exploring garage sales can be a goldmine for book lovers. The laid-back atmosphere of garage sales can sometimes yield unexpected literary gems at bargain prices. I have often found so many homeschool supplies from parents and retiring teachers a few late afternoons out and about. Like estate sales, sellers are highly motivated to sell quickly, and likewise are willing to bargain for whatever they can get for their used things. I have spent many a garage saling with my grandmother, and it’s always a fun detour to take together! Garage sales also connect you with people and their lives, and often a display of curious hobbies and interests you may want to hear more about! Approach each sale with an open plan, a friendly smile, and you may find a box of treasures you weren’t expecting!
Book Fairs and Festivals
If you remember the thrill of browsing countless titles at your school’s book fair as a child, you’ll be delighted to know that book fairs are still organized throughout the year in cities near you! These events allow you to discover a treasure trove of new books, connect with fellow book enthusiasts, and explore a wide array of literary offerings. Many of them feature exciting events like book signings, author talks, and panel discussions, giving you the opportunity to connect with your favorite writers and gain insights into their creative processes. It’s a chance to engage with the literary community and share your passion for reading with like-minded individuals. You only need to search “book fairs and festivals [insert year]” and you’ll easily find a calendar of events near you!
Used Bookstores
Walking into any brick and mortar used bookshop is always a delightful experience and sure way to expand your collections. You get to take your time browsing, savoring the musty scent of aged paper and leather bindings. With shelves brimming with pre-loved books, there’s so much to discover, like old childhood favorites or entire sections dedicated to a field of interest. There’s sometimes too much to tempt you into breaking the budget! That’s one thing I always appreciate about physical secondhand bookshops however, that they often have so much more on a particular topic, as well as multiple editions of books to choose from. It’s hard not to leave without armfuls of newfound treasures from these shops!
Friends and Family
It’s a delightful experience to share a love of reading and particular topics with friends and family! There’s so much you could do to keep fostering these friendships with loved ones around books! You could keep each other’s book lists on hand when you’re out thrifting, to help each other find books you’re both on the hunt for. You could organize a cozy book club where you read through a book together. Plan a book swaping night to exchanged well-loved reads at the next festive gathering! It goes without saying, it’s important to always return borrowed books in good condition to your loved ones, and treat them for their kindness! If you have hosted a book party, I would love to hear about it in the comments or on social media!
Book Clubs
If you are part of a book club online, on Goodreads, Facebook, MeetUp, or Zoom, you can potentially connect with more fellow bookish friends to trade and sell unwanted books with one another online! Joining book clubs opens doors to a world of literary discussions, and shared passions. Engaging in lively conversations about different genres and authors while swapping books with fellow club members can introduce you to titles you might never have come across otherwise!
Book Sales by Institutions
Institutions like universities and schools often host book sales that offer a wealth of reading material at affordable prices. These sales typically support the institutions specific financial goals and therefore projects, much like the library. These sales are not only budget-friendly for readers but also present an opportunity to support educational initiatives while expanding your book collection with diverse genres and topics.
Estate Sales
Exploring estate sales can be akin to embarking on a quest for hidden treasures within the realms of vintage books. These sales offer a unique chance to stumble upon rare editions, collectibles, and out-of-print gems. There’s something about older illustrations and cover designs that add a touch of history and nostalgia to your shelves.
Book Exchanges
Participating in book exchanges allows readers to pass on books they’ve finished and discover new ones in return. Whether through formal platforms or informal arrangements with friends, readers get to explore a variety of genres affordably. (See more on Book Swapping)
Online Booksellers
Book hunters looking for used books in good condition can typically find used books easily on big marketplaces like amazon, facebook, and ebay, which gives bookshops a way to sell specific sought after books to direct buyers. Specialized book retailers online have more to offer book buyers and sellers by connecting buyers with all available books, as if buyers entered an online bookshop experience. Shopping from used book retailers not only enables readers to get more books into their hands, but it also supports bookshops to keep refurbishing and selling highly sought after books, giving pre-loved books a new home verses getting thrown away. Additionally, many online bookstores provide detailed descriptions and ratings to help customers make informed choices.
- Amazon Books: Amazon offers a vast selection of new and used books from various sellers, including individuals and professional retailers.
- eBay Books: eBay features a wide range of used books listed by individual sellers and bookstores, often available through auctions or fixed-price listings.
- AbeBooks: AbeBooks specializes in rare, collectible, and out-of-print books, but also offers a large selection of used books at great prices. AbeBooks offers a subscription for booksellers with a treasure trove of books to offer on its listings. Think of it like the Amazon for booksellers!
- ThriftBooks: ThriftBooks sells quality used books at affordable prices, with free shipping on orders over a certain amount. They have a BuyBack program to buy used books, even large quantities of up to 500 books! It’s a great option for libraries to raise funds, and closing bookshops needing to find a home for all their books!
- Better World Books: Better World Books sells used books online and supports literacy initiatives by donating books and funding literacy programs. You can donate at any of their designated drop boxes and even host a box if there isn’t one near you!
- Alibris: Alibris offers a vast selection of used books, including rare and out-of-print titles, from independent sellers around the world. Bookshops can promote their entire inventory and become a seller on Alibris for a low subscription cost.
- WOB: World Of Books Group (WOB) sells used books worldwide based in the US and UK, making it a popular choice for international buyers. Additionally, they also have a program to buy used books called Ziffit.
- Biblio: Biblio is a marketplace for independent booksellers, offering a wide selection of used, rare, and out-of-print books. They offer a webpage called BookGlit where you can search the entire web for specific books and rare collections. They do have a system to sell your books on their platform where it’s free to sign up, and only collect a small fee with sales made on their platform.
- BookOutlet: BookOutlet sells discounted new and used books, to Canada and the US, including remaindered and overstocked titles, at low prices.
- BookFinder: BookFinder is a search engine. Albeit it looks a little dated, but it helps you find and compare new, used, rare, and out-of-print books from multiple online retailers and marketplaces in one search.
- BookScouter: BookScouter is a price comparison website that helps you find the best deals on used books by comparing prices from multiple sellers. Likewise, it’s a great tool for booksellers looking to see who’s buying what you have to sell and for how much.
Book Swapping
Book-swapping groups on Facebook or book-swapping websites provide a unique opportunity for book lovers to exchange books with each other. Users can list the books they own and wishlist titles they are interested in reading, creating a community-driven system based on sharing and mutual benefit. This interactive model fosters connections among readers and promotes the joy of sharing stories.
- BookCrossing: a global book sharing movement where members release books into the wild and track their journeys as they are passed from reader to reader. You can also participate in book swaps and exchanges through the website.
- BookMooch: members can list books they want to give away and request books they want to receive. Each time you give away a book, you earn points to request books from other members.
- PaperBackSwap: PaperBackSwap allows members to trade paperback books with each other for free. You list books you want to swap, and when someone requests one of your books, you send it to them at your expense. In return, you earn credits to request books from other members.
- Host A Book Swap Party: This could be great for bookish friends to meet and read new titles. You could treat it like a white elephant gift exchange or do a presentation of each book.
Live Auctions
Now this section puts a new spin on buying used books. Some collectors focus less on “thrifting for a deal” and more in finding rare and beautiful books to collect. I’ve included some very high-end auction houses for those who might be interested. Auctions are great for finding a signed copy, set of written works, or special edition book. Personally, I like live auctions held on eBay, estate sales, and I’ve even found some lowkey auctions at thrift stores. It’s fascinating to see what items are passing through an auction, even if you’re not a buyer. Who knows, if you’re a writer you might find some great inspiration from this list!
- eBay: eBay is one of the largest online auction platforms. You’ll find a wide range of used books listed by individual sellers and bookstores. You can bid on items or purchase them at a fixed price.
- Swann Galleries: This exquisite auction house holds specialized auctions for rare books, including first editions, illustrated books, and signed copies.
- Bonhams: Bonhams is a prestigious international auction house. They’ve garnered a reputation for excellence in the realms of fine art, antiques, motor cars, and jewellery. Book collectors will also be pleased to know Bonhams also deals in rare books, manuscripts, and other literary items.
- Sotheby’s: Sotheby’s is one of the world’s leading auction houses, offering auctions for rare books, manuscripts, and other collectibles. They hold regular sales featuring notable literary works.
- Christie’s: Christie’s is another prestigious auction house with rare books, manuscripts, and literary memorabilia.
- PBA Galleries: Specializing in rare books, manuscripts, and ephemera, they hold regular auctions featuring a wide range of literary items.
- RR Auction: RR Auction is an auction house known for its auctions of autographs, manuscripts, and historical documents. They occasionally feature rare books and literary memorabilia in their auctions.
- Freeman’s Auction: Freeman’s Auction is a Philadelphia-based auction house with rare books, manuscripts, and historical documents.
Buy The Book
In the exciting world of advanced book thrifting, the possibilities are endless. From scouring online marketplaces and book swapping websites, to exploring local thrift stores and attending book fairs, the thrill of discovering hidden literary gems while expanding your book collection affordably is truly unmatched. Remember to check out library sales, garage sales, and estate sales for unique finds. Don’t forget about the power of connections – friends, family, and book clubs can be treasure troves of reading material you never thought to add to your TBR list before. Embrace the adventure of book hunting and fill your shelves with diverse and fascinating reads. Start your next chapter in book thrifting today!
