A library binding is a sturdy and reinforced book binding, added to published books to make them more durable for library use, because library books are (ideally) read frequently by a large number of people. A paperback is a book with a soft cover, usually thin cardboard/thick paper.

A paperback is light, compact and easily transportable, able to be bent and stuffed into the corner of a bag. A hardcover, on the other hand, is the strong and beautiful option. They are far more durable than paperbacks, and their beauty and collectability means that they hold their value far better too.

Why are hardcover books cheaper than paperback? Like cinema tickets, hardcover books generate more profit per unit than paperbacks. Hardbacks’ durability means they are also popular with libraries. Once hardback sales have slowed, a paperback edition is released.

A library book is the same as a book you get from any bookseller. For a hardback book, the dust jacket (paper cover with title, cover art and book synopsis for the back) is removed and will have a plain nonstick film folded around the paper before it is reattached, with tape, back over the books plain hard cover.

Library binding is generally applied to softcover books or periodicals, though sometimes it can be used to repair hardcover books. The purpose is to provide a rigid cover to help protect the book and give it longer shelf life, as well as making it easier to read and copy.

Hardcover is bulkier and more expensive, but it’s more durable, and some people like how it looks. Library binding is very durable, but since library-bound books are usually sold directly to libraries instead of consumers, it can be hard to get your hands on.

Turtleback (binding)? Turtleback books are typically the size of a mass market paperback book. Their covers are reinforced with cardboard and do not have a dust jacket. They are sometimes covered with laminate. That’s why you see them listed under paperback but the Description says hardcover.