Since library discard books are allowed, with the huge "discard" stamps all over them, and library stickers and card holders are allowed, does that mean that I can put stickers all over the cover of my books and put tape all over them too, just for kicks, and still post them?

If I put tape and stickers over books, I'd expect to get them RWAP'd. So why do library books get a free pass?

Just wondering, thanks...

stickers and tape are both allowed on books.

But, tape can't be used to fix rips that are larger than 1 inch (because the rip makes it unpostable). Well, actually you can use tape to fix rips larger than 1 inch, you just can't post the book afterward.

And, anything excessive might be covered under the "excessively worn" condition for books.

thanks....

Also - if you find library discards particularly distasteful, you can always post a RC stating that you won't accept them.

My library's discards are barely noticeable as such. They have a small barcode on the top front of the book--less than half an inch tall and about an inch and a half wide. On the spine, there is usually a sticker indicating the type of book (a sherlock holmes hat for mystery, a dragon for fantasy, etc.) and a small paper with the call letters. When the books are withdrawn, there's usually a green marker line drawn through the barcode. If there is a 'withdrawn' stamp, it's usually done once inside the front cover, not even visible on the outside. I've gotten many ex-library books at FOL sales that are in very excellent shape....one of the reasons libraries withdraw books is because they aren't checked out enough, not just that they're ratty...some books I swear have never been read even once!

So yes, actually...you can put stickers on your books if you want. Bookcrossing books are likewise allowed, with their stickers (sometimes very large, and sometimes in several places). The only way they wouldn't be acceptable is if the requestor had a condition against them. I would only RWAP a book with lots of tape and stickers if it was obvious that they had been taped up because the book was in tatters underneath it.

Cheryl

Just get a book you were disappointed in Derrick? It can be a shock to get a heavily marked book.  Library books do have to meet the "in good condition" requirement, but stickers, etc are all allowed. You must go crazy when you see a bookcrossing book, some of them are worse than X-lib books. Thankfully libraries are making less of a mess of books these days and many discards are in like new condition with nothing but a small barcode and DJ protector on them.

Breathe deep and add an RC stating that do not want books with any stamps, stickers, or tape on them.

Ex-library books are allowed, but I would expect them to meet all other guidelines.  It's just a common question so it's in the FAQ.  I read it as ex-library doesn't automatically disallow the book.  It's not an automatic allowal.

If they are torn/fixed with tape/falling apart they don't get a pass, RWAP it.

Some of the best bound books are from the library.  I mailed one that will probably last 30+ years.  Solid, heavy, protective cover, reinforced.  With only the word DISCARDED stamped on the first blank page.

By tape, I can only assume that means binding tape, since in all my years of picking up books from library sales the only books I've ever gotten with tape on them was binding tape.  There's no rule against it.  This is external and on the spine, actually reinforces & protects against spine creases & breaks, and makes it last longer without doing any damage.  I don't even mind the discard stamps or an occasional card pocket - which have just about gone the way of the dinosaur with the little barcode stickers they use nowadays, btw.  The most offensive element about ex-library books (aside from some occasional rough treatment by library patrons) would be the stickers, which can often be removed.  I personally don't buy them at all anyomore if they have stickers on the spines, but there are plenty of store stickers affixed to brand new books that are much worse.  Target, for example.  Their stickers are large, unsightly, and a pain in the fanny to remove.  Discard/Withdrawn stamps are at least placed so that they don't obscure text or blot out the cover images & synopsis.  That's more than I can say for some of the in-store sales & promo stickers I've seen.

By tape, I can only assume that means binding tape.

Well, probably. They reinforce the corners of paperback covers with it too, in some of the libraries out here. But I don't think there is a PBS rule preventing someone from putting other kinds of tape on the cover. Not that I want that ... just don't think its against the rules.

But I don't think there is a PBS rule preventing someone from putting other kinds of tape on the cover. Not that I want that ... just don't think its against the rules.

No, there's no rule against it, Sara.  I imagine some people don't like it, but unless there's a sticker trapped under it, I'm usually glad to see it because I know the spine of that book is going to last a lot longer and end up with far fewer creases to it than a book that doesn't have it.  For my keepers, I love binding tape.  I can re-read them as often as I like and the spines stay in good condition.

Oh, I don't have a problem once I found out it was allowed. I just didn't realize it was. Sadly, there are a couple of books that I have WL'd that I just don't see getting from anywhere else than from a library discard, so I've chosen to forego that RC. And I've had enough irritation from people talking about specific books and contacting them in their RC's that I don't want to bug other people like that :-)

Derrick,

keep in mind that all the people complaining are a very small amount of members of PBS. Most people request/send/receive tons of books without any problems at all.

Like most people, I've had bunches and bunches of RC transactions (both sending and receiving) that I have never posted about ... no need to at all. I honestly think most peole don't mind or care enough about RCs to post anything, good or bad about them. Or have enough problems with them to want to post about them.

Jacqueline,

Yes, ex-library books are OK to send. Books also have to meet the other Book Posting Conditions, which you can find here www.paperbackswap.com/help/help_item.php

Think the link should work.