Owner Robert Johnston is selling up ahead of a £19m redevelopment of the Grade I listed Piece Hall in Halifax where the shop is situated.
Mr Johnston said: "If someone has space and is looking for a new business opportunity, I'm convinced there is a future in second-hand books - they will never be printed again and the variety of content is unbelievable."
The collection will be auctioned as a single lot at the Piece Hall on December 9-10 by Gary Don auctioneers of Leeds.
Contact: 0113 248 3333.