Used, rare and out of print books at the Brattle Book ShopHave Books to Sell? We Buy Books!
Monday - Saturday, 9AM - 5PM
Housecalls by appointment

We buy used and rare books in all fields, from single volumes to large collections. We deal with individuals, lawyers, trustees and libraries. Books can be brought to the store or we will travel to you!

We Buy:
Scholarly non-fiction
Literature
Antiquarian and rare books
Maps and prints
Leather-bound books in good condition
Autographs, manuscripts, and letters
Certain magazines
Anything that we find interesting and salable

How to Sell at Our Store
1. If you have anything rare or unusual or other pertinent info please tell the buyer OR call before you come in. This will allow us to give your books the best possible inspection.

2. Bring the books you want to sell and a photo ID to our store on sunny 9 West Street between 9AM and 5PM, Monday through Saturday. There is always a general book buyer in the store. For rare books, call ahead.

3. There is a parking lot two doors down from our shop. We will reimburse you for the time it takes us to examine your books. If you have a van or large SUV please call us first. The parking lot charges us $20. We will make other arrangements.

4. If we want to buy your books, we will offer you cash or store credit. Store credit is usually 20% more than cash offer. For amounts greater than $50, we will write a check.

The prices we pay depend on current stock, condition of books, and demand. Pricing is subjective and can fluctuate relative to the needs of the store at any given time.

Housecalls & Appraisals
We travel daily (sometimes considerable distances) in order to purchase books, from large estates to single volumes. Please call and ask for more details. We welcome lists, inventories, photographs, emails and videos to help us assess your collection.

The Brattle Book Shop offers a full appraisal service for estate, tax, and donation purposes.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call us, Monday through Saturday, 9am-5:30pm at:
Phone 800.447.9595
Fax 617.338.1467
email info@brattlebookshop.com

In some cases we may decline to purchase certain books. See below for exceptions!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are my books worth?

A: Every book is different. We can tell you if we can see them. While many times we can tell you over the phone, it is sometimes necessary for us to see the books. Please call before coming in to schedule an appointment.

Q: Aren't old books more valuable than new ones?

A: Not always. In many cases an old book is simply that: an old book. Age is not the only determinant of value. Condition is a huge factor, as is desirability. Call if you have any questions.

Q: How long will it take you to come to my house?

A: Usually within 1 to 2 weeks, sometimes sooner. Call for availability.

Q: I'm making a list of my books. What should I include?

A: Include the author, title, publisher, date, and location of publication, and the condition of the book(s). Please let us know any other important information, such as condition, type of bindings, illustrations, signatures, etc. If including a date, make sure it is the date indicated on the title page (not the copyright date). Please indicate if no date is given.

Q: Do you buy review copies?

A: Yes. If you are a reviewer, please contact us for further information.

Q: How do you determine price?

A: Prices found online or in certain guides are not necessarily indicative of an absolute value. The amount we offer is in direct relation to our years of experience and sales history.

Q: What if I'm not ready to sell?

A: That's okay. We would be interested in the future and can help you plan accordingly.

Q: Do you buy records or comic books?

A: No. We can tell you who will buy them, though.

Q: Do you buy new books?

A: We avoid buying new books and editions still on the shelves in bookstores We will make purchases if a receipt or other proof of purchase is shown. Please ask. Caveat

There are some books that we are not interested in purchasing, such as: textbooks/computer manuals, Reader's Digest condensed books, romance novels, books with missing/stripped covers, books with notes or highlighting (unless made by someone notable), water-damaged/moldy books, books missing pages, most encyclopedias after 1911, some new books, recent best sellers, books that belong to libraries, and anything we cannot sell.