Twelve people have been charged with checking out $87,000 worth of books from the Prince George's County public library to sell them for quick cash.

Prince George's County prosecutors announced the indictment Tuesday. Some of the suspects also have been charged with stealing from other Maryland libraries.

The thefts at 12 branches of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System occurred between November 2008 and July 2009. Officials said the thieves targeted high-priced textbooks.

Officials say each person withdrew close to the limit of 75 books from the library. They are charged with theft over $500 and face a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.

The Prince George's library system spends about $4 million on materials annually.