Thrift stores can be one of the best places to shop for books when you want to build your reading collection without spending a lot of money.
From children’s books and cookbooks to classic novels, hobby guides, and beautiful hardcover books, there are plenty of titles worth checking before you head to the bookstore and pay full price.
The selection is different every time you visit, which is part of what makes browsing the book section so much fun.
You might find a book that’s already on your reading list, several books from a favorite series, an older cookbook that’s no longer easy to find, or a book you wouldn’t have considered buying at its regular price.
But a cheap price doesn’t automatically make every used book a good buy. Some types of books are especially worth looking for secondhand, while others need a closer look at their condition, age, and usefulness before you bring them home.
In this guide, you’ll find some of the best types of books to buy at thrift stores, along with tips for checking used books, deciding whether you’re really getting a good deal, and knowing when it’s better to leave a book on the shelf.
Why Buy Books at Thrift Stores?
Buying books secondhand can be an easy way to save money, especially if you read often, have kids who go through books quickly, or enjoy building a collection at home. Books that cost considerably more when purchased new can often be found at thrift stores for just a few dollars.
Thrift stores can also have a much different selection than traditional bookstores. Along with newer titles, you may come across older editions, discontinued books, vintage cookbooks, complete or partial book series, and titles you wouldn’t have thought to search for online.
Shopping secondhand can be especially worthwhile for books that don’t necessarily need to be the newest edition, such as classic novels, children’s stories, cookbooks, craft books, gardening guides, and coffee table books.
The key is knowing which sections are worth spending a little extra time browsing—and what to check before you buy. Here are some of the best types of books to look for when you’re shopping at a thrift store.
Best Types of Books to Buy at Thrift Stores
1. Cookbooks
Cookbooks are one of the best sections to browse when shopping for used books. New cookbooks can be expensive, while thrift stores often have shelves filled with options covering everything from everyday family meals to baking, entertaining, and specialty diets.
Don’t limit yourself to newer cookbooks. Older cookbooks can be especially fun to browse because you may find recipes, cooking techniques, and regional dishes that aren’t as common in newer releases.
Some types of cookbooks worth checking for include:
- Regional and local cookbooks
- Church and community cookbooks
- Baking and dessert books
- Holiday and entertaining cookbooks
- International cuisine cookbooks
- Slow cooker and other specialty cooking books
- Vintage cookbooks
- Large hardcover or illustrated cookbooks
Church and community cookbooks can be particularly interesting thrift store finds. These collections often contain recipes contributed by local families and home cooks, giving you a different selection than you’d find in a traditional cookbook from a major publisher.
Before buying a used cookbook, flip through it carefully. A few splatters or handwritten notes may not bother you, but check for missing pages, heavy staining, water damage, or pages that are stuck together. It’s also worth looking inside the front and back covers—previous owners sometimes leave handwritten recipes, substitutions, or cooking notes behind.
2. Children’s Books
Children’s books are another great category to shop for at thrift stores, especially when you’re trying to build a home library on a budget. Kids can move through books quickly as their reading levels and interests change, so buying every book new can get expensive.
Thrift stores may have everything from board books and picture books to early readers and chapter books. It’s also worth looking for books from popular series. When families clean out their bookshelves, they may donate several books from the same series at once, giving you a chance to pick up multiple titles during one trip.
Some children’s books to watch for include:
- Board books and picture books
- Early readers
- Classic children’s stories
- Chapter books
- Books from favorite series
- Educational books
- Holiday and seasonal books
- Children’s reference books and nonfiction
Condition matters more with children’s books because they tend to get plenty of use. Flip through the entire book and check for torn or missing pages, excessive writing or coloring, water damage, loose bindings, and missing pieces in interactive books.
Don’t overlook books that are a little above your child’s current reading level, either. If the price is low and it’s a book you’d eventually want, buying ahead can be an inexpensive way to create a selection of books for later.
If you’re looking for even more ways to save, check out 10 Places to Find Cheap Books for Kids for additional places to find affordable children’s books beyond the thrift store.
3. Book Series and Boxed Sets
If you spot a book from a favorite series at a thrift store, take a few extra minutes to check the surrounding shelves. Books are often donated together, which means other titles from the same series may be nearby.
This can be especially helpful when shopping for children’s chapter books, young adult series, mysteries, fantasy novels, or any collection with multiple volumes. Even if you don’t find the entire series, picking up several books secondhand can cost much less than purchasing each title new.
Boxed sets are also worth a closer look. Before buying one, check that all of the books listed on the box are actually included and that the set is in reasonably good condition.
A few things to check when buying a book series include:
- Whether any books in the set are missing
- The order of the books in the series
- Whether you already own any of the titles
- The condition of each individual book
- Whether an included box or case is damaged
- The thrift store’s price compared with buying the set elsewhere
If having a matching collection matters to you, take a quick look at the covers, publishers, and editions as well. Thrift stores may have books from the same series that were released at different times and don’t necessarily match.
Thrift store tip: When you find several books from one series, check nearby shelves and even the children’s or young adult sections before you leave. Books are frequently put back in the wrong place, and another volume may be sitting just a shelf or two away.
4. Coffee Table, Art, and Photography Books
Coffee table books are easy to overlook at a thrift store, but they can be some of the best books to buy secondhand. Large hardcover books filled with photography, artwork, or illustrations can be expensive when purchased new, making a good-condition used copy especially appealing.
Look for books covering subjects that interest you or work well in your home, such as:
- Art and famous artists
- Photography
- Travel and destinations
- Architecture
- Interior design
- Fashion
- Nature and wildlife
- History
- Cars, sports, and other special interests
These books don’t have to sit untouched on a coffee table, either. Art and photography books can provide inspiration for creative projects, travel books can be fun to browse, and books featuring nature, architecture, or history can make interesting additions to a home library.
Because these books are often oversized, check the binding carefully before buying. Look for loose pages, damage where the cover meets the spine, water damage, and excessive wear on the corners. If the book originally came with a dust jacket, decide whether a missing or damaged jacket matters to you.
Also consider how much you actually like the book before bringing it home. A large hardcover may seem like a bargain because it’s inexpensive, but it still takes up quite a bit of shelf space. The best thrift store find is one you’ll actually enjoy looking through, reading, or displaying.
5. Craft and Hobby Books
Craft and hobby books are worth checking whenever you browse the thrift store book section. They can be a budget-friendly way to learn a new skill, find project ideas, or add useful reference books to a hobby you already enjoy.
Depending on the store, you may find books about:
- Sewing and quilting
- Knitting and crochet
- Embroidery and needlework
- Drawing and painting
- Woodworking
- Jewelry making
- Scrapbooking and paper crafts
- Photography
- Cake decorating
- Floral arranging
- Collecting
- Other DIY projects and hobbies
Don’t automatically pass over a craft book simply because it looks dated. Basic techniques for skills such as sewing, knitting, crochet, drawing, and woodworking may still be useful years after the book was published. Older books can also contain patterns, projects, and techniques that are different from what you’ll find in newer books or online tutorials.
Before buying, flip through the book to make sure the projects and information are actually something you’ll use. Check pattern books for missing pattern sheets or templates, and look through books with step-by-step instructions to make sure important pages haven’t been removed.
It’s also worth considering whether the book requires specialized tools or supplies you don’t already own. A $2 craft book isn’t much of a bargain if every project inside requires you to spend significantly more on equipment you don’t want or need.
6. Gardening and Nature Books
Gardening and nature books can be excellent thrift store finds, especially when they include detailed photographs, illustrations, or reference information you may want to use again and again.
The gardening section can include much more than basic how-to books. Keep an eye out for:
- Vegetable and herb gardening books
- Flower gardening guides
- Landscaping books
- Houseplant books
- Regional gardening guides
- Bird and wildlife books
- Tree, flower, and plant identification guides
- Nature and field guides
- Books about native plants and pollinators
Large illustrated gardening and nature books can be especially nice to find secondhand. Instead of searching for an answer online every time you have a question, you can keep a few useful reference books on the shelf to browse whenever you need them.
Publication date does matter with some of these books, though. Basic information about growing plants or identifying common birds may remain useful for years, while recommendations involving pesticides, invasive species, plant diseases, environmental regulations, or other changing information may need to be verified with a current source.
Location matters, too. A gardening book written specifically for a very different climate may not be nearly as useful as one geared toward your region or growing zone.
Before buying, flip through the book and consider how you would actually use it. A detailed vegetable gardening guide may be a great purchase if you’re planning a garden, while an oversized landscaping book probably isn’t a bargain if you only like two of the pictures.
7. Classic Novels and Literature
Classic novels are some of the easiest books to buy used because the stories don’t become outdated. Instead of paying full price for a new copy, you can often find popular classics sitting on thrift store shelves for much less.
Keep an eye out for books by well-known authors, required reading titles, award-winning novels, and stories you’ve always wanted to read. Thrift stores may have several different editions of the same classic, ranging from inexpensive paperbacks to attractive hardcover versions.
Classics can also be a good choice if you’re trying to build a home library without spending a lot at once. You can gradually pick up books you want to read or would like to keep on your shelves as you find them.
When comparing copies, look at more than just the cover. Check for:
- Writing and highlighting throughout the book
- Torn or missing pages
- A cracked or loose binding
- Water damage or strong odors
- Print that’s comfortable for you to read
- Introductions, annotations, or supplemental material you may want
- The overall condition compared with the price
If you’re buying a classic for a student, check whether a particular edition or translation is required before purchasing it. Different editions may have different page numbers, notes, translations, or supplemental material.
And don’t buy a classic simply because you recognize the title. A book that costs only a few dollars still isn’t a great deal if it sits unread on your shelf for years. Focus on titles you genuinely want to read, share, or keep in your home library.
8. Educational and Reference Books
Educational and reference books can be useful thrift store finds, particularly when you’re looking for information that doesn’t change quickly. These books can also be a budget-friendly way to explore a new subject, help with schoolwork, or add reference materials to a home library.
Depending on the selection, you might find:
- Dictionaries and thesauruses
- Atlases and geography books
- History books
- Science reference books
- Language-learning books
- Encyclopedias and subject-specific reference books
- Biographies and historical reference books
- Study guides
- Educational books for kids
- Books about art, music, and other academic subjects
Before buying, check the publication date and think about whether the information inside is likely to have changed. An older book about ancient history or famous works of art may still be useful, while an old technology guide, travel book, medical reference, or test-preparation book could contain information that’s no longer current.
Atlases deserve a closer look for the same reason. Older maps can be interesting for historical purposes, but they may not be appropriate if you need current geographic or political information.
If you’re buying educational books for a student, make sure they match what you actually need. Check the subject level, edition, and whether any companion materials are missing. Study guides and workbooks should also be flipped through carefully to make sure previous owners haven’t already completed the exercises.
The best secondhand reference books are usually the ones you’ll return to more than once. A well-illustrated history book, language reference, or educational book covering a favorite subject can provide plenty of use for only a small investment.
9. Homeschool, Workbooks, and Learning Books
Thrift stores can be worth checking for homeschool materials, workbooks, and other learning books for kids. Even families who don’t homeschool may find inexpensive resources for practicing skills at home, reviewing school subjects, or keeping kids learning during school breaks.
Look for materials such as:
- Math and reading workbooks
- Handwriting and writing practice books
- Phonics books
- Science and history resources
- Educational activity books
- Preschool and kindergarten learning books
- Foreign language resources
- Test-preparation and study books
- Homeschool reference materials
- Supplemental learning books
Workbooks require one important extra step before you buy: flip through the entire book. A workbook may look unused from the outside but have answers, writing, or completed activities throughout the inside.
Also check whether the book originally included removable pages, flash cards, answer keys, CDs, manipulatives, or other supplemental materials. A missing component may not matter if you only want the book itself, but it could make some programs or activities difficult to use.
Pay attention to the edition and publication date, too. Basic handwriting, phonics, and math practice may remain useful for a long time, while test-preparation materials and resources tied to specific standards or curricula can become outdated.
You don’t necessarily need to find a complete homeschool curriculum for the book section to be worthwhile. A few inexpensive books that reinforce a subject your child is learning or provide extra activities can still make a good secondhand purchase.
10. Holiday and Seasonal Books
Holiday and seasonal books are easy to overlook when you’re shopping months before you’ll need them, but that’s often a great time to pick them up. Building a small collection throughout the year can be much less expensive than buying several new books when a holiday arrives.
Keep an eye out for:
- Christmas books
- Halloween books
- Thanksgiving books
- Easter and spring books
- Holiday cookbooks
- Seasonal craft and activity books
- Holiday decorating books
- Children’s holiday stories
- Christmas classics and story collections
Children’s holiday books can be especially useful to buy secondhand. Kids may only read them for a few weeks each year, so paying full price for every seasonal title isn’t always necessary. Store the books with your holiday decorations and bring them out again each year.
Holiday cookbooks and craft books can also be worth browsing even when they’re older. Recipes, handmade ornament ideas, gift-wrapping inspiration, and traditional holiday projects may remain useful for many years.
As with other used books, check the condition before buying. Children’s activity books may already be completed, craft books can have templates or patterns removed, and cookbooks sometimes have heavily stained or missing pages.
One of the advantages of thrift shopping is that you don’t have to wait until the holiday season to look. If you find a Christmas book you know your family will enjoy in April or a Halloween book in January, buying it while you see it can be an inexpensive way to slowly build your seasonal collection.
11. Vintage and Out-of-Print Books
Thrift stores can be a fun place to find older books that you might not come across in a traditional bookstore. Some may be out of print, while others simply offer something different from the newer books available today.
Vintage and older books can be worth picking up for reasons that have nothing to do with their monetary value. You might find:
- Older cookbooks with recipes and cooking methods from another era
- Children’s books you remember from childhood
- Books featuring vintage illustrations and photography
- Older craft and hobby books
- Local and regional history books
- Old gardening and homemaking books
- Novels that are no longer widely available
- Older editions with covers or artwork you especially like
Out-of-print books can be particularly exciting finds. If you’ve been searching for a specific title that’s difficult or expensive to purchase elsewhere, finding a good used copy at a thrift store can make the trip worthwhile.
As with other older books, consider whether the information is still useful before buying. An older cookbook or craft book may have plenty to offer, while books covering subjects that change frequently may contain outdated advice or information.
It’s also important to separate interesting old books from potentially collectible books. An older book isn’t automatically worth a lot of money simply because of its age. Factors such as the edition, condition, scarcity, and demand can all matter when determining a book’s potential value.
If you’re interested specifically in finding books that may have collectible or resale value, see our guide to 50 Most Valuable Books to Look for at Thrift Stores. It covers that side of thrift store book hunting in much more detail.
12. Books Already on Your Reading List
One of the best books you can find at a thrift store is simply a book you were already planning to read.
It’s easy to get distracted by low prices and come home with a stack of books simply because they seemed like good deals. But if those books sit unread for years, you haven’t really saved much money.
Consider keeping a list of books, authors, or series you’re interested in on your phone. When you’re browsing the thrift store, you can quickly check your list to see whether any of the books you’ve already been wanting are on the shelves.
Your list might include:
- Novels you want to read
- Books by favorite authors
- The next book in a series
- Cookbooks you’ve considered buying
- Children’s books for your family
- Books related to hobbies or interests
- Classics you’d like to add to your home library
- Books recommended by friends, family, or book clubs
You don’t have to limit yourself only to books on your list. Part of the fun of shopping secondhand is discovering something unexpected. But having a list can help you distinguish between a great find and a book that’s tempting only because it’s inexpensive.
Before checking out, take another look at your stack and ask yourself: Would I still want this book if it weren’t sitting in a thrift store for a few dollars?
If the answer is no, leaving it behind may be the more frugal choice.
What to Check Before Buying Used Books at a Thrift Store
Once you find a book you want, don’t head straight to the checkout. Used books can look perfectly fine on the shelf while hiding damage inside, so take a minute to inspect the book from cover to cover.
Check the Binding and Spine
Start by looking at the spine and opening the book in several places. The pages should feel securely attached to the binding.
A little wear on the cover may not matter if you simply want a reading copy, but think twice about books with pages separating from the spine, badly cracked bindings, or loose sections that may eventually fall out.
Flip Through the Pages
Don’t check only the first few pages. Quickly flip through the entire book and watch for:
- Missing or torn pages
- Writing and highlighting
- Children’s drawings or scribbles
- Pages that have been cut
- Stains or spills
- Pages stuck together
- Folded or badly damaged pages
A little writing may be perfectly acceptable depending on how you plan to use the book. The important thing is knowing about it before you pay.
Look for Water Damage
Wavy, rippled, swollen, or stuck-together pages can be signs that a book has gotten wet.
Minor old water damage may not prevent you from reading a book, but significant moisture damage can weaken the pages and binding. It can also be a reason to inspect the book more carefully for mold or mildew.
Check for Mold and Mildew
Look along the page edges, inside the covers, and around areas that appear to have been wet.
Visible fuzzy growth or suspicious spotting accompanied by a strong musty odor are good reasons to leave a book behind. Bringing a moldy book home isn’t worth risking your other books or belongings just to save a few dollars.
Smell the Book
Yes, really.
Used books can hold onto odors from smoke, moisture, pets, storage areas, and other environments. Some mild odors may fade, but a strong smell can be difficult to remove.
If the odor bothers you in the store, there’s a good chance it will bother you at home, too.
Check for Signs of Pests
Take a quick look along the spine, page edges, and inside the covers for insects, eggs, droppings, unusual debris, or obvious insect damage.
Most thrift store books won’t have a problem, but it’s still worth checking anything that’s been stored in an unknown environment before bringing it into your home.
Look for Missing Pieces
Some books originally include more than bound pages.
Depending on the type of book, check for missing:
- Pattern sheets
- Templates
- Maps
- Posters
- Flash cards
- Answer keys
- CDs or other supplemental materials
- Flaps, pieces, or interactive elements in children’s books
A missing extra doesn’t automatically make a book unusable. Just make sure the part that’s gone isn’t necessary for whatever you want to do with the book.
Check Inside the Front and Back Covers
Before putting the book in your cart, open both covers and take a look inside.
Besides finding additional damage, you may discover old library markings, inscriptions, notes, receipts, bookmarks, photographs, recipes, newspaper clippings, or other items left behind by a previous owner.
Finding something tucked inside is part of the fun of browsing secondhand books—but the main reason to check is to make sure you know exactly what condition the book is in before you buy it.
Give It One Final Look
Finally, ask yourself whether the condition matches the price.
A little cosmetic wear may be perfectly reasonable for an inexpensive book you plan to read. Significant damage is different, especially when another copy of the same book can easily be found elsewhere.
Buying used books doesn’t mean you have to settle for books in poor condition. With a quick inspection before checkout, you can bring home the ones that are actually worth adding to your shelves.
Don’t Forget to Look Inside the Book
Before you put a thrift store book in your cart, take a quick look between the pages. Besides checking the book’s condition, you never know what a previous owner may have left behind.
Books are often used as convenient places to tuck away small things, so you might come across:
- Bookmarks
- Old receipts
- Handwritten notes
- Photographs
- Greeting cards
- Newspaper clippings
- Recipes
- Ticket stubs
- Pressed flowers or leaves
- Even forgotten cash
I’ve actually found money tucked inside used books before, so checking between the pages is something I never overlook!
Of course, finding cash isn’t something you should expect when buying secondhand books. Most of the time you’ll probably find nothing at all. But an old note, photograph, recipe, bookmark, or other forgotten item can offer an interesting little glimpse into the book’s history.
It’s also another good reason to flip through a used book completely before buying it. While you’re looking for forgotten items, you may notice writing, stains, damaged pages, or other problems you missed during your first look.
Books You May Want to Leave at the Thrift Store
Finding a book you want for a few dollars can feel like a great deal, but some used books are better left on the shelf. Condition, outdated information, missing pieces, and even the price itself can turn an inexpensive book into a purchase you regret.
Here are a few books to think twice about before buying.
Books With Mold or Mildew
Visible mold, fuzzy growth, significant moisture damage, or a strong musty smell are good reasons to pass on a book.
Even if the price is tempting, there are plenty of other used books to find without bringing a badly damaged one home.
Books With Significant Water Damage
A few slightly wavy pages may not bother you, but books with extensive water damage can have stuck pages, weakened bindings, stains, odors, or other problems.
If a book looks like it has been thoroughly soaked at some point, it’s usually worth waiting for another copy.
Books With Missing Pages
Always flip through a book before buying it. Missing pages can be especially easy to overlook in cookbooks, children’s books, craft books, and reference books where individual pages may have been removed for recipes, pictures, patterns, or projects.
Workbooks That Are Already Completed
That inexpensive workbook isn’t much of a bargain if most of the activities have already been filled in.
Check children’s activity books, homeschool materials, puzzle books, test-preparation books, and other write-in books carefully before putting them in your cart.
Books Missing Important Extras
A craft book missing its patterns or a learning resource missing an essential answer key may not be very useful.
Look at the contents and packaging to see whether the book originally included supplemental materials, and decide whether you can still use it without them.
Books With Information That’s Too Outdated
Older doesn’t necessarily mean bad. Plenty of older books remain useful and enjoyable.
The problem is information that needs to be current. Be cautious with older books covering subjects such as technology, travel, test preparation, medical information, laws, finances, or other topics that can change substantially over time.
Books That Aren’t Actually a Good Deal
Thrift store prices aren’t always the lowest prices.
If a used book seems expensive, take a moment to compare the price with other used copies or even a new copy. This is especially worthwhile for common paperbacks, recent releases, textbooks, and boxed sets.
A thrift store sticker doesn’t automatically make something a bargain.
Books You’re Buying Just Because They’re Cheap
This may be the easiest thrift store book-shopping trap of all.
When books cost only a few dollars, it’s tempting to add another one to your stack simply because the price is low. But spending money on a book you’ll never read or use isn’t really saving money.
Before checking out, look through your stack one more time. If you wouldn’t want a particular book at a slightly higher price, ask yourself whether you actually want it at all.
Sometimes the best thrift store deal is the book you leave behind.
Thrift Store Book Shopping Tips
Knowing which books to look for is helpful, but a few simple shopping habits can make it easier to find the best books without overspending.
Look on the Bottom Shelves
It’s easy to browse at eye level and overlook what’s near the floor. Take a minute to check the bottom shelves, especially if you’re searching for oversized books, children’s books, or large hardcovers.
Learn Your Store’s Discount Schedule
Some thrift stores offer sale days, colored-tag discounts, senior or military discounts, loyalty programs, or other promotions.
If you shop at the same stores regularly, learning how their discounts work can help you decide whether to buy a book immediately or wait for a better price.
Check Newly Stocked Areas
If your thrift store has a cart, bin, or designated area for newly stocked books, it’s worth taking a look. You may be seeing those books before they’ve been picked through by as many shoppers.
Just be courteous and avoid browsing merchandise employees are actively trying to shelve unless the store allows it.
Compare Prices When It Makes Sense
You don’t need to look up the price of every $1 paperback you find.
But if a thrift store is asking more than you expected for a book, boxed set, textbook, or newer release, a quick price comparison on your phone can help you decide whether you’re actually getting a deal.
Remember to compare the same edition and condition when possible.
Shop the Book Section Regularly
Thrift store inventory changes constantly. A disappointing book section one week could be completely different after a few new donations arrive.
If books are something you regularly buy, checking the section whenever you’re already at the thrift store can be more productive than making a special trip looking for one specific title.
Don’t Limit Yourself to Thrift Stores
Thrift stores aren’t the only places to find inexpensive used books. You can also check:
- Library book sales
- Garage and yard sales
- Estate sales
- Used bookstores
- Flea markets
- Community sales
- Little Free Libraries and book exchanges
Different places can be better for different types of books, so expanding where you look can give you more opportunities to find the titles you want.
Set a Budget Before You Start Browsing
A stack of inexpensive books can add up quickly.
If you tend to get carried away in the book section, decide how much you’re willing to spend before you start browsing. You can also set a limit on the number of books you’ll bring home.
A budget makes it easier to be selective and focus on the books you’re most excited to read or use instead of buying everything that looks interesting.
What About Valuable Books at Thrift Stores?
Sometimes a used book can be more than a good book at a great price. Certain editions, older books, signed copies, and other unusual finds may also have collectible or resale value.
However, an old book isn’t automatically valuable, and determining what a book may be worth involves different factors than deciding whether it’s a good book to buy and use.
If you’re interested in that side of thrift store book shopping, read our guide to 50 Most Valuable Books to Look for at Thrift Stores. It covers what can make a book valuable, what to look for while you’re browsing, and examples of books worth keeping an eye out for.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Books at Thrift Stores
Are books worth buying at thrift stores?
Yes, books can be one of the best things to buy at thrift stores when the price and condition are right. Children’s books, cookbooks, classics, hobby books, and other titles that remain useful for years can be especially good secondhand purchases. Just remember that a low price doesn’t automatically make a book a good deal.
What books should I look for at thrift stores?
Some of the best types of books to look for include cookbooks, children’s books, book series, coffee table books, craft and hobby books, gardening guides, classics, educational books, and titles already on your reading list.
What makes a book worth buying depends largely on how you plan to use it. A book you’ll read repeatedly or reference for years may be a much better purchase than one you choose simply because it’s inexpensive.
How can you tell if a used book is in good condition?
Check the cover, spine, and binding first, then flip through the entire book. Look for missing or torn pages, writing, stains, water damage, mold, strong odors, loose pages, and missing supplemental materials.
You don’t necessarily need a perfect copy. Normal wear may be completely acceptable for a book you simply want to read, especially when the price reflects its condition.
Is it okay to buy old cookbooks?
Older cookbooks can be great thrift store finds, particularly if you enjoy traditional recipes, regional cooking, baking, or older cooking styles.
Use additional judgment with older recipes or instructions involving food-safety practices that may have changed. When necessary, verify current food-safety recommendations before following older preparation, preservation, or canning instructions.
Should I buy outdated books?
It depends on the subject. An older novel, cookbook, craft book, or history book may still offer plenty of value, while information about technology, travel, medical topics, finances, laws, test preparation, and other frequently changing subjects can become outdated.
Consider why you want the book and whether having current information matters for that particular subject.
How do I know if an old book from a thrift store is valuable?
Age alone doesn’t make a book valuable. Edition, condition, scarcity, demand, signatures, and other details can affect what a book may be worth.
If finding collectible books is your goal, see our guide to 50 Most Valuable Books to Look for at Thrift Stores for a more detailed look at what to watch for.
Finding the Best Books at Thrift Stores
The best books to buy at thrift stores aren’t necessarily the oldest, newest, or most impressive-looking books on the shelf. They’re the ones that make sense for you to bring home.
Cookbooks, children’s books, classics, hobby guides, book series, educational books, and other secondhand finds can all be great purchases when they’re in good condition and priced well. Taking a few minutes to inspect each book and think about whether you’ll actually use it can help you avoid buying something simply because it’s inexpensive.
And don’t be discouraged if you don’t find much during one trip. Thrift store inventory changes constantly, and the book section can look completely different the next time you visit.
If you enjoy searching for interesting secondhand finds, be sure to read 50 Most Valuable Books to Look for at Thrift Stores to learn more about books that may have collectible value. You can also check out How to Clean and Disinfect Used Shoes From a Thrift Store for more tips before bringing secondhand finds into your home.
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