We often get asked if we purchase books. This guide answers some frequently asked questions and serves as a reference for potential sellers.

DOES KEN SANDERS RARE BOOKS BUY BOOKS?

Yes. However, well over 90% of the books offered to us in a given day or week are rejected by KSRB. We purchase only a fraction of what we are offered.

WHAT KIND OF BOOKS DOES KSRB BUY?

We prefer to purchase rare books and rare materials. However, we do buy used books in categories such as literature, poetry, art and photography, children's and illustrated books, Utah and the Mormons, western travels and explorations, philosophy, Marxism, etc.

KSRB additionally deals in rare maps and atlases, photographs, prints, rock n roll and vintage posters, and paper ephemera of all kinds, including letterhead, bill head, journals, diaries, etc.

It would be useful to also list the items we don’t buy.

We do not buy books in fair, poor or "hoser" condition.  If the front or back board is falling off, that is poor condition. This is a non-starter.

We do not buy ex-libris books—no library marks on books.

We do not buy books published by The Reader's Digest, TimeLife, National Geographic, or other mega direct book sellers who flood the market with new product that has very little resale value.

We do not buy textbooks or auto repair manuals.

We do not buy encyclopedias and dictionaries unless they are pre 1850.

We do not buy old law books.  Even the lawyers don’t want them anymore.

We rarely buy magazines or periodicals with the exception of pre 1900 LDS/Mormon magazines and early issues of Desert Magazine, Arizona Highways, and some specialist titles. We do not buy popular magazines like Life, Look, or Reader's Digest.

We do not buy National Geographic magazines published after 1920.

We mostly do not purchase newspapers. 

Email us a list of titles or dates concerning pre 1950 fantasy, science fiction, mystery, and horror pulps.

HOW DO I SELL BOOKS TO KSRB?

Please do not drop off books at the shop! There is a possibility that they will get misplaced, and it also creates organization issues. This is not ideal for us nor the seller. Books dropped off for donation are okay, but if you’re seeking compensation please do not bring them here unless prompted.

If you have books that you would like to sell to KSRB, please send an email to books@kensandersbooks with photos of the items. It is helpful to take photos of the copyright and edition information, as well as the covers. We will let you know if we’re interested and will give you more information on the buying process at that point in time.