Short answer: ex-library books usually aren't worth much. Most lose 70–90% of collectible value the moment a library stamps them. But “not much” isn't “nothing” — and a few categories of ex-library books are still worth selling.
Why Collectors Don't Want Ex-Library Books
Library books have markers that can't be removed without damaging the book further:
- Property stamps — often on the title page, copyright page, and page edges.
- Barcode stickers — usually on the cover and spine.
- Card pockets and due-date slips — pasted inside the back cover.
- Call number stickers — on the spine.
- Mylar dust jacket protectors — glued to the book (often permanent).
- “WITHDRAWN” or “DISCARD” stamps — a death sentence for collector value.
Book collectors value pristine originals. Library markings are permanent, visible evidence of heavy use. For most collectible titles, an ex-library copy is worth 10–30% of a clean copy.
When Ex-Library Books Are Still Worth Selling
There are specific cases where ex-library copies retain value:
Extremely Rare Books
If a book is rare enough that clean copies are almost impossible to find — think genuinely scarce 19th-century imprints — an ex-library copy may still have real value. A Victorian-era exploration account with library stamps can be worth $100 where a pristine copy would be worth $500.
Reference and Scholarly Books
Medical, engineering, and legal reference books get bought for their content, not their collectibility. Libraries often discard these when new editions come out, and the used-book market for them is healthy. Current-edition STEM textbooks — even ex-library — are actively bought.
Niche Specialty Books
Out-of-print technical books, obscure regional histories, and specialized monographs sell on content. Ex-library versions of these often sell for 50–80% of clean copies.
Content-Focused Readers
Thriftbooks, AbeBooks sellers, and used-book markets all handle ex-library copies. They sell at lower prices but they do sell.
When Ex-Library Books Aren't Worth Selling
- Common fiction — plenty of clean copies available. Market price near zero.
- Bestsellers from the last 10 years — no collector premium, and ex-library just means “used hardcover” in a saturated market.
- Book club editions that were also ex-library — double-whammy. Essentially unsellable.
- Heavily worn ex-library books — library + wear = recycling.
Our Approach at SellBooksABQ
We rarely buy ex-library copies of common fiction or common nonfiction. We do buy ex-library STEM textbooks (current editions), ex-library art and photography monographs in good condition, and ex-library copies of genuinely scarce material. If you have a mix, bring it all — we'll sort.
Best Option for Most Ex-Library Books
Donate to organizations that accept them: the New Mexico Literacy Project, Goodwill, Better World Books, or your local library's Friends-of-the-Library book sale. They'll find a good home, and you get a tax deduction receipt for the donation.