Discarded delights: The joy of ex-library books
An ex-library book will have some sort of marking indicating the library that previously owned it, such as a stamp, a barcode label, or an ‘old school’ pocket for the checkout card. Although ex-library books are rarely collectible, they can still be useful to collectors as reference material.
Are ex-library books in good condition?
Ex-library copies must always be labeled as such, regardless of the condition of the book. Book club copies must always be labeled as such, regardless of the condition of the book. Binding copy refers to a book with perfect pages or leaves but a very bad, loose, off, or non-existent binding.
Where do ex-library books go?
Ex-library books are books that were once owned by a public library or institution but were discarded because they were no longer useful; these books often end up in the hands of used booksellers and on online marketplaces like AbeBooks.
Are ex-library books worth anything?
Is an ex-library copy of a book worth less than a non-ex-library copy? An ex-library copy of a book is usually priced lower than a non-ex-library copy simply because it is in worse condition.
Are first edition library books worth anything?
In general, first editions, or first printings, will be the most valuable, depending on who published the book and what formats it was published in. You’ll mostly be looking for hardcover books, but don’t assume all hardcovers are first printings!
What can you do with old library books?
If you’re in a similar situation, here are ten ideas for repurposing your old books.
- Bring your gently used books to your local library.
- Donate to a local charity.
- Make some gift tags.
- Recycle your unusable books.
- Sell or give them away online.
- Create a “Free Books” box.
What are ex library books?
Ex-library books are books that were once owned by a public library or institution but were discarded because they were no longer useful; these books often end up in the hands of used booksellers and on online marketplaces like AbeBooks.
Can you sell library books on ebay?
In short, you can’t just throw away government property u2014 including library books in some cases u2014 however you want; the disposal method must be approved, which is why some books end up in the dumpster rather than at a book sale.
What does the word Ex Libris mean?
: a book owner’s identification label that is usually pasted to the inside front cover of a book: bookplate On the inside of the covers, that plate with the fat chicken wearing glasses hatching a closed book appears.
Why do libraries stamp books?
Security strips inserted into circulating collections books and journals have the benefit of helping to protect materials from theft or loss, but they can also be damaging to pages if not applied correctly.
Why are library books withdrawn?
To remove physically worn out or damaged volumes from the library. When library books lose the value for which they were originally selected, they should be withdrawn so that the collection remains vital and useful.
How do I get rid of library binding?
Removing Library Markings and Covers from Ex-Library Books
- Once the jacket is loose, fold the tape under it so it sticks to the book.
- Slide the dust cover out of the protector through the open end.
How do you get a library tag off a book?
How to remove stickers from books with rubbing alcohol and nail polish remover: Peel off as much of the sticker as possible, then rub away the sticker goo with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover. This is a last resort option.
How do you get the plastic off the library books?
You’ll want to carefully and slowly slice the plastic away from the dust jacket along the entire bottom edge, as some dust jackets are paper thin and will easily get caught in the blade’s edge. Once this is done, the dust jacket will slide out and be completely free.