How Much Do Books Cost at Library Sales?
Library book sales are the cheapest reliable source of used books in the United States. Prices are set by volunteers, not by market value, so a $60 out-of-print title sits in the same box as a worn paperback at the same $1 price. Here is what to expect to pay.
Typical library book sale prices
| Item | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Mass-market paperback | $0.25 – $1.00 |
| Trade paperback | $1.00 – $2.00 |
| Hardcover (general) | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| Children's picture book | $0.25 – $1.00 |
| Coffee-table / art book | $3.00 – $10.00 |
| Textbooks & specialty | $2.00 – $10.00 |
| DVDs, CDs, audiobooks | $0.50 – $2.00 |
| Fill-a-bag day | $3.00 – $10.00 per bag |
| Fill-a-box day | $10.00 – $25.00 per box |
Ranges reflect commonly published pricing from Friends of the Library sales across the US. Individual sales set their own prices — always check the listing.
How prices drop across the sale
- Preview night — full price plus a small admission or membership fee. Best selection.
- Opening days — full price, no admission.
- Half-price day — usually the second-to-last day.
- Bag day — one flat price per bag. See upcoming bag sales.
What that means if you resell books
At $1 per book, your landed cost is dominated by driving, not inventory. Estimate the trip first with the sourcing trip calculator, then read how to find books to flip for scanning and triage tactics.
Pricing FAQs
- How much do books cost at library sales?
- Most library book sales price paperbacks at $0.25 to $1 and hardcovers at $1 to $3. Specialty items such as art books, textbooks, and collectibles are priced individually, and the final day is usually a fill-a-bag day at roughly $5 per bag.
- Do library book sales take credit cards?
- Larger Friends of the Library sales often accept cards or mobile payment, but small volunteer-run sales are frequently cash-only. Bring small bills so volunteers can make change.
- Is there sales tax at a library book sale?
- It varies by state and by the nonprofit status of the hosting group. Many Friends groups are exempt on occasional fundraising sales; check the sale's own page for details.
- When are library book sale prices cheapest?
- The last day. Sales typically run full price, then half price, then a flat-rate bag day, so waiting cuts your cost per book dramatically at the expense of selection.