Turn your books into cash.
ShelfGem tells you in seconds which books are worth money — scan any book on any phone, with no app to install — and we buy them from you.
No app. No hardware. Works on the phone already in your pocket.
Our trusted partners
Proudly working with book lovers across Los Angeles.
Friends of the Library · Los Angeles
Raise more for your library — from the books you already have
We built ShelfGem for Friends of the Library groups across Los Angeles — the volunteers who turn donated books into funding for the libraries they love. We'd be honored to work with you.
A trusted partner
Friendly, transparent, and built around the way your book sales already run.
More for your library
Turn the right donations into real funding — not just pennies a book.
Made for volunteers
If you can take a photo, you can use it. Any age, any phone, no training.
We buy the books
You sort, we purchase the valuable ones. No shipping, no accounts to juggle.
How it works
Three steps, no learning curve
If you can take a photo, you can use ShelfGem.
Scan a book
Point any phone's camera at a book. No app, no setup.
Get the answer
ShelfGem tells you instantly whether it's a buy.
Get paid
Keep the books worth money — we purchase them from you.
Why ShelfGem
Built to be effortless
Powerful technology behind a screen anyone can use.
Any phone, no app
It runs right in the browser. Nothing to download, no special scanner to buy.
Instant answers
Scan a book and know in a second whether it's worth money.
Fits your workflow
Works alongside the sorting and scouting tools you already use.
We pay you back
Set the right books aside — we buy them from you.
Who it's for
For shops and for shelves
Whether you move thousands of books or just have a few boxes.
Partner with ShelfGem
Friends groups, libraries, and bookstores: turn donations and overstock into funding. Spot the books worth money in seconds, with no new hardware to buy. Tell us about your group and we'll get you set up.
Request access →Cash back for your books
Soon you'll be able to get paid for the books sitting on your shelves. Join the list and we'll let you know the moment it's ready.
Join the waitlist