15 replies to this topic

[Tornado99]

Finally got my Mini Haynes manual from the UK. Took about 3weeks to make it to Vancouver Canada. Inside the vinyl covering of the book, there is a stamp indicating "Withdrawn From Bromley Libraries" and a paper label glued on first page askingto renew/return by date indicated.
Got me thinking someone has sent me thier old library book. But researching the Amazon seller, there is a statement on thier details page "Better World Books generates funding for literacy charities through the sales of second-hand books. Our current partner charities are READ International, the National Literacy Trust, Room to Read, Scottish Book Trust (Registered Charities no. 1128534, no. 1116260, no.1125803, SC027669 ), and the National Adult Literacy Agency. Much of our stock is ex-library due to our close relationships with UK libraries. We offer a service that helps them keep their unwanted books out of landfill. All ex-library books will be marked as such in their individual listings. 99% of orders are dispatched within 24 hours and we offer a 100% money back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied. "

So perhaps this is a legit business?

[nicklouse]

More likely the library had been closed and its books sold off.

[Quinlan minor]

Libraries routinely 'retire' books to make way for new ones. I can confirm that Bromley Library is still open.

[humph]

Perfectly legit business recycling unwanted books and raising money for charities as far as I can tell. Buy a lot of my books second hand and have used betterworldbooks a lot. Lots of companies doing similar.

[Tornado99]

Thanks for giving me peace of mind. 

I do like the heavy duty vinyl sleeve on the cover....should help it stand up well to the rigors it will no doubt see!

[RustyAutoCityE]

As above it is not uncommon to end up with an ex-library book from second hand sellers.

The real question is was it returned to the library on time, or is it due a penalty payment?

[beardylondon]

Talk about click bait headline, bit of an over reaction. How’s it a scam if you received the item? Scammers don’t send you items and give detailed descriptions of how they partner with charities. Ever heard of recycling? As above it was probably sold off. Also Haynes manual is available free online as a PDF if you look hard enough. However not as handy as having a paper copy.

Edited by beardylondon, 09 July 2020 - 10:10 AM.

[Spider]

Libraries routinely 'retire' books to make way for new ones. I can confirm that Bromley Library is still open.

 

I have managed to pick up some very rare hard covered Factory Workshop Manuals and Parts Books from library 'clean outs'.

[mab01uk]

The local libraries here in Surrey UK nearly always have racks of ex-library books on sale at low prices in order to make way for new books or replace those that are starting to look a bit worn. Those that aren't sold to local people are passed to book charities or for recycling.

[Ethel]

They can end up with lots of manuals. People got libraries to order books for them as it's cheaper than owning them. If you just wanted a Haynes for a one off job, like a cam belt change and to photocopy the wiring diagram & torque settings...

 

Less of a thing now we have the interweb & no normal person owns spanners any more. 

[Spider]

 & no normal person owns spanners any more. 

 

 

Oh thanks goodness !
 

[Ethel]

[surfblue]

I feel a confession coming on,

I acquired a library book, nice hard back about Morris Minors from a mobile library sometime around 1984/5. We then moved house and the book came with us and was never returned. Im hoping the Library police are still unaware of my current location and so grateful having surgically changed my identity that Im unlikely to be picked out of an identity parade in the future.

The acumulated fine must be in the region of £17000 by now. 

[Tornado99]

I feel a confession coming on,

I acquired a library book, nice hard back about Morris Minors from a mobile library sometime around 1984/5. We then moved house and the book came with us and was never returned. Im hoping the Library police are still unaware of my current location and so grateful having surgically changed my identity that Im unlikely to be picked out of an identity parade in the future.

The acumulated fine must be in the region of £17000 by now. 

BETTER WATCH OUT, THAT CAN BE A SERIOUS MATTER:

 

[Tornado99]

Talk about click bait headline, bit of an over reaction. How’s it a scam if you received the item? Scammers don’t send you items and give detailed descriptions of how they partner with charities. Ever heard of recycling? As above it was probably sold off. Also Haynes manual is available free online as a PDF if you look hard enough. However not as handy as having a paper copy.

The Amazon posting did not disclose it was a library re-sell...just that is was a used/good condition item. I had to click into the seller's full detail to see the info I posted above....after I received the book and got curious. I've never seen library labels in books I've purchased before here in North America, must be more common in the UK.

 

Their are also bootleg/illegally made copies being offered of Haynes manuals.