Alan Hunter Birchall, 42, of Storey Crescent, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, and his wife Heather, 42, were caught on CCTV taking books from the shop last January, Alnwick Magistrates Court heard.
The couple returned to the shop weeks later and staff recog
nised them, noted the registration number and police visited their home.
At the house, police found hundreds more books worth more than £4,000 belonging both to Barter Books and Northumberland County Council library.
Alan Birchall was charged with one theft and two offences of stolen goods. His wife was charged with theft.
The court was told that CCTV footage showed the couple in the shop putting books under their clothing and walking out without paying.
Magistrates heard that staff were given prints of stills from the CCTV and were able to recognise the couple when they returned to the store on February 8.
Tony Cornberg, defending, said the theft had occurred when "temptation got the better" of his client.
He said Heather Birchall would not have been in the shop if she had not been with him.
A trial was due to take place yesterday but the couple pleaded guilty.
Heather Birchall was given a 12-month conditional discharge. Alan Birchall will be sentenced at the court on Wednesday, July 23.
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