Kelly RainierWe honestly thought that selling our old books would be more of a hassle than an exciting way to declutter. Well, maybe because we’re not expecting to receive much from these old titles.
One afternoon, we decided to give it a try and sell our used books in one of the bookstores around Vancouver. Some of them offered us good store credit, allowing us to get new books without spending a dime.
Aside from bookstores, we also found some online platforms where you can get your well-loved titles a chance to get a new home. So if you need to declutter, or just tired of your old titles, make sure to check the list and find the best one for you!
Local Bookstores
Most of the bookworms out there are familiar with the nostalgic feeling about walking into a bookstore with a bag or box filled with pre-owned books. And the best part is that you get to go out with a few bucks out of selling them.
Let’s check some of the bookstores that will buy pre-loved books around Vancouver.
Pulpfiction Books
Media credit: @pfbvan
Website: http://pulpfictionbooksvancouver.com/
Address: 2422 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3E3
Contact Details: +1 604-876-4311
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
One of the go-to bookstores where you can sell your old books is at Pulpfiction Books. When the staff saw our tote bag filled with books, she knew immediately that we’re planning on selling them.
They took the time to sift through our books while cross checking the titles on their database, ensuring that there were no duplicates. After checking, they immediately told us which books they’re taking.
Here, you can mostly find books related to philosophy, literary fiction, and academic books.
You can also purchase new and used books out of the store credit that you got from selling your old titles. So yes, this bookstore gives store credit instead of cash.
Another option is to just trade your pre-owned books from their library, perfect if you have a specific book title in mind. However, take note that they only sell popular titles here in this bookstore.
Pro tip:
Pulpfiction Books doesn’t buy pre-owned books beyond 5 in the afternoon, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly.
MacLeod’s Books
Media credit: @macleodsbooks
Address: 455 W Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2Z3
Contact Details: +1 604-681-7654
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Almost all bookworms know about MacLeod’s Books in Vancouver. Most of the books that you can find here are about literature and history.
There are plenty of Stephen King books available here too. Just be ready to browse through their messy shelves—some are even stacked on the floor!
Of course, aside from updating your library with new titles you haven’t read, you can also sell your existing ones so you can declutter and save a little.
Since this bookstore loves history titles, we made sure to bring our old paperbacks. The staff here are pretty selective, so if you’re bringing mass-market paperbacks then you might be rejected.
Otherwise, if you have collectible editions and even university books, you’ll highly likely to come home with an empty tote bag (unless you’re buying new ones from their stash).
The best part is that they buy your pre-owned books for cash, so you don’t need to pressure yourself into finding another title to take home.
Pro tip:
It’s pretty dusty inside MacLeod’s Books, so make sure you’re ready with your mask on, especially if you’re allergic.
Massy Books
Media credit: @massybooks
Website: http://www.massybooks.com/
Address: 229 E Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6A 4J
Contact Details: +1 604-721-4405
Operating Hours: Sunday – Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM; Thursday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
When we heard that Massy Books buys pre-loved books from Vancouver residents, we figured that it’s time to fix our bookshelf and ditch the titles that are no longer interesting to us.
The moment we walked in, we immediately compared it to the usual bookstores we went to, and we’ve got to say that this one is probably one of the most neat and organized!
Selling your books here would also make you feel like you’re supporting their staff’s living wage, considering that Massy Books is a non-profit organization.
While you won’t get cash in return, you can definitely get new titles from your store credit.
We had fun browsing through their library, most specifically nonfiction, gender and sexuality books, and other radical books. So if you’re into these topics, this bookstore may offer you a great selection.
Pro tip:
Massy Books has a large Indigenous literature section, so if you’ve got pre-loved books by Indigenous authors, or any related topic, consider selling them here so you can support the creators.
Kestrel Books
Media credit: @kestrelbooksvancouver
Website: http://kestrelbooks.ca/
Address: 3642 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6R 1P1
Contact Details: +1 604-872-2939
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
When we were walking along 4th Avenue, we stumbled into Kestrel Books after grabbing a cup of coffee near the area. Since we didn’t bring pre-loved books during that time, we went back the next day instead.
As soon as we opened the door, we immediately acknowledged that the store is cozy and quiet, so we made sure to keep our voices at a minimum while talking.
Because of this, this bookstore has been a great spot for readers to find a book and just browse through it while they’re in a quiet and calm setting.
Most of the books that we’ve seen here were about poetry, spirituality, and philosophy. We also found rare and vintage titles that we haven’t seen elsewhere.
So if you’re planning to sell popular titles, this bookstore may not be the one for you.
Pro tip:
If you’re looking for first editions and Booker Prize titles, Kestrel Books is considered as a specialist in this area, so consider dropping by if those interest you.
The Paper Hound Bookshop
Media credit: @thepaperhound
Website: http://paperhound.ca/
Address: 344 W Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1T1
Contact Details: +1 604-428-1344
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
The Paper Hound Bookshop is known for its whimsical titles, and their window display won’t disappoint! The management will always make sure to highlight certain themes on a regular basis, just to show their quirky side.
And when it comes to selling books, the staff were still pretty selective, but they made sure to engage with us to exchange some laughs. While they still accept popular titles, they love getting nonfiction titles, including essays and cultural studies.
This bookstore offers both store credit and cash for those who wish to sell their pre-loved books. So if you’re planning to grab a few titles, you obviously need to go for the store credit instead.
Additionally, we suggest giving them a heads up in case you’re planning to bring quite a number of books, as their space is quite limited.
Pro tip:
Totally skip this bookstore if you’re planning to sell mass-market paperbacks as they’re not interested in getting those.
Book Lovers
Media credit: @mybookbath
Address: 175 E 3rd St, North Vancouver, BC V7L 1E5
Contact Details: +1 604-986-9501
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
If you want a straightforward selling approach, without overthinking about the titles that you wish to get rid of, then Book Lovers is the one for you. Here, they buy almost every title, so you don’t need to worry about getting intimidated once you get here.
We brought mystery books, lifestyle books, and even cookbooks during our visit. And if your kids are all grown up now, you can also collect those children’s books and sell them here instead.
You can also choose between getting cash or a store credit. If you wish to use a store credit, we recommend calling them before your intended visit, so they can help you track down the title before heading to their store.
Pro tip:
Book Lovers is a great stop if you’re looking for old magazine issues.
Online Platforms
We know that some of you may not have the luxury to visit a bookstore onsite, that’s why we checked some online platforms that will allow you to sell your pre-loved books minus the hassle.
eBay
Media credit: @ebayforsellers
Website: https://community.ebay.ca/t5/Archive-1/Book-Selling/td-p/322803
Whenever we don’t have enough time to spare, our immediate backup plan would always be to sell through eBay. And since we had a few poetry books left at home, we decided to list them on eBay.
It’s a great option, especially if you wish to sell popular titles that seem to have an oversupply around Vancouver. By offering through eBay, you can definitely target a larger audience outside the city.
Here, you just need to create a seller profile, add a few images of your book, write a short description (make sure to include the flaws for transparency), and name your price!
Of course, you just need to take care of shipping, so make sure to secure the package.
Pro tip:
Check the average pricing offered by other users who sell the same book title you’re offering. Match the price or offer it at a much lower cost to get a higher chance of selling it right away.
Kijiji
Media credit: @kijijivancouver
Website: https://www.kijiji.ca/h-vancouver/1700287
Another online option that you can go for would be through Kijiji. We know, it may sound a bit outdated, but when we tried selling our books here, we still got good traffic, so you may want to try this one out too!
Just make sure to create an account, make a listing, add a photo and short description, and set a price. We sold our old cookbooks, including old children’s books, and we were surprised to get a good buyer for these items.
However, you just need to be ready to meet with your buyer, as most of them would still prefer to check the items in person before they settle the payment. Additionally, prepare to offer your books at very low prices, as the buyers in this platform are quite stingy.
Pro tip:
Consider selling in bundles as single books may not be as attractive compared to bundled ones. You may also try grouping similar topics, and offering them at discounted prices.
Donation Drives
Well, if you’re not after the money and you’re just done sorting old titles, you have an option to donate. We have a few recommendations that you can check below.
Friends of the Vancouver Public Library
Media credit: @friendsofthevpl
Vancouver Public Library regularly hosts Book Sale events throughout the year. And if you can’t make it onsite, you can donate your books through their social media channels.
Here, you can donate a wide range of books so even your popular titles get a higher chance of having a new owner. All proceeds will be used for library programs and community services.
You just need to drop off your books in one of their donation locations. We’re quite sure you’ll find one near your place, as they normally place these around the city.
Of course, since it’s a donation, you won’t get instant cash out of your old books, but the idea of supporting the local literacy projects is already a win in itself.
Pro tips:
Avoid donating books with tampered or torn pages, as Vancouver Public Library won’t be able to sell them properly.Vancouver Public Library doesn’t accept outdated encyclopedias, so make sure to skip that too.
Northshore Little Libraries
Media credit: @books_inthewild
If you’re in the Northshore area, you’ve probably seen one of the little book houses stationed near parks. Yes, those that look like bird houses from afar!
If you can’t sell, you can just drop your books into one of these Northshore Little Libraries. The experience was pretty interesting and personal too, as we got to open the little door and place our books in.
And here’s the best part: you get to exchange your book with another one inside the “library”. The next day, we checked if the books we placed were still there, and we were surprised to see them gone.
Of course, it’s still up to you if you want to take a book, or just leave the ones you brought without getting anything in return.
Pro tip:
Aside from books, you can also donate seeds and craft supplies through the Northshore Little Libraries.
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