Thrift store shopping has become increasingly popular over the years, and for good reason. Not only is it an eco-friendly way to shop by giving pre-loved items a new home, but it can also be a great way to discover hidden gems. Did you know that there are even valuable books to look for at thrift stores? 

Yep, if you’re a book lover, your local thrift store can be a goldmine for finding valuable books at a fraction of the cost. In this post, we’ll discuss the most valuable books to search for and provide tips on how to identify their worth.

Finding Books in Good Shape

Thumbing through old books hoping to find high demand books that can be sold at a higher price is a book lover’s dream. And there are lots of places you can visit to look for first edition books.

Here are a few places you’ll want to try instead of retail stores:

• flea markets
• estate sales
• yard sales
• Goodwill
• locally-owned bookstores
• the Salvation Army
• Facebook Marketplace
• nonprofit thrift stores

Books to Look For at Thrift Shops

When it comes to rare books, there are certain ones you can look for and hone in on.

Here are some of the most valuable book genres to watch out for:

Classic Books:

Classic literature is always in demand, and many thrift stores carry them in abundance. Look out for books by authors like Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Ernest Hemingway.

Classics in good condition can be worth a pretty penny, and even damaged copies can be worth something if they are first editions or have a unique history.

Science Fiction Books:

Sci-fi is a genre that has been gaining popularity in recent years. Look out for books by authors like Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, and Arthur C. Clarke.

Often, older science fiction books have unique cover art that can make them valuable. First editions with dust jackets intact are especially desirable.

History Books:

History buffs will be delighted to know that thrift stores often carry a vast selection of history books. Look out for books about specific historical events or figures.

Biographies of notable figures such as Winston Churchill or Abraham Lincoln can be particularly valuable. Also, keep an eye out for hard-to-find first editions or signed copies.

Art Books:

Art books can be a fantastic find at thrift stores. They can range from coffee table books to more in-depth illustrated guides. Art books with high-quality illustrations or those that are signed by the artist can be worth a lot of money.

Children’s Books:

These tend to take on sentimental value for purchasers. Do you remember your favorite children’s book? I bet you do. Collectors often start off with books that were special to them during childhood, making them a popular choice for thrifting. I’m always looking for another copy of The Velveteen Rabbit or any old/orginal Dr. Suess books to read and pass down to my grandchildren.

The good news is most of the first books are easier to find in good condition, but may be worth a bit less since they tend to be mass produced.

Identifying Books that Are Worth Money

When searching for valuable books at thrift stores, keep in mind that the condition of the book is essential. If you’re interested in making extra money with this potentially profitable side hustle, there are a few things you’ll need to know:

• Books in excellent condition are worth more than those that are tattered or stained.
• Look for books with clean, unmarked pages and spines that are not bent or damaged.
• Additionally, look for books that have their dust jackets intact, as these can add significant value.
• If possible, look for books with original illustrations, hand-colored plates, or unique cover artwork.
• You may also want to research the book before purchasing it.

While this isn’t always practical when shopping in person at a thrift store, you can quickly use your phone to look at sites like AbeBooks and Alibris to help you identify books that are potentially valuable. These sites can be useful for finding out the estimated value of a book, as well as providing information about its edition and condition.

Powell’s is the country’s largest independent bookshop. On their website, simply enter the book’s ISBN number (you’ll find that on the copyright page, or possibly on the back of the book) and they’ll show you how much your book is worth. NOTE: Powell’s will give you 40% more in-store credit (instead of cash) if you want to trade the valuable book you found for new ones.

Wouldn’t it be exciting to put some extra cash in your pocket by stumbling upon some rare book gems at thrift stores?

First Edition vs. Second Edition Books

Identifying valuable editions of a book can be tricky, but there are a few things to look out for. First printing books are particularly valuable, and you can identify them by checking the copyright page. If it says “First Edition,” then you might have a valuable book on your hands.

Second edition books are also worth something, but may not be as valuable. If the copyright page says “Second Edition,” then it is less desirable to collectors and likely won’t be worth as much.

Signed Books

Signed copies can also be worth a lot of money. Look for books with the author’s signature on the title page or elsewhere in the book.

A few more things you’ll want to pay attention to are any books with an original dust jacket, individual books that make up a set, a complete set of books by the same author, and any rare or out-of-print books.

With a little bit of knowledge and some luck, you might be able to find hidden gems at your local thrift store that can bring in quite a bit of money for any rare book collector.

Thrift Store Flipping

The majority of people have heard of flipping as it relates to homes or furniture, but did you know that thrift shopping and cleaning up your thrift store finds is a popular way to make money with rare books?

If you’re a frequent shopper at garage sales and love sifting through piles of books looking for the best books, there’s nothing like hitting your local Goodwill and squealing with delight when you find a valuable book that you know you can sell for a pretty penny. It’s exhilarating (and slightly addicting). 

How to Get the Highest Price for Your Books

Antique books & modern books alike may need extra care for preservation. You may need to clean them up, as well as repair any tears or creases in the pages before you can expect to sell them for their maximum value.

In addition, make sure that your photos of the book look professional, and include good shots of both the cover and spine of the book. You don’t need a fancy camera or anything, you can just use your phone to take the picture. I always find that I sell things faster when I use the “portrait” mode option on my phone camera (that blurs the background and makes it look dreamy).

This will help buyers see the condition and authenticity before they make a purchase.

Finally, you’ll need to properly price your books. Research the estimated value of similar books on eBay or other online marketplaces to get an idea of how much yours is worth. Then, set your prices accordingly so that you can maximize profits from your thrift store finds.

Thrift store shopping can be a fun and exciting way to discover rare and valuable books, but it can also be hit or miss. My personal experience is that it takes patience and persistence to uncover treasures.

The thrill of coming across a gem that has been discarded by someone else is exhilarating, and I always leave feeling like I’ve found a true treasure.

Here are some book titles & examples of valuable books that can be found at thrift shops:

• “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee – First editions can be worth over $10,000.
• “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger – First editions can fetch up to $15,000.
• “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald – Early editions from the 1920s can be worth over $5,000.
• “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding – First editions can be worth up to $10,000.
• “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien – First editions are highly sought after and can be worth up to $25,000.

In conclusion, thrift stores can be a great place to find valuable books if you know what you’re looking for. Keep an eye out for classics, science fiction, history, and art books.

Check the condition of the book, look for first editions and signed copies, and be patient in your search. Who knows, you might just find a hidden gem that’s worth a fortune!