Abstract: A sorting conveyor system useful for sorting relatively small articles, such as, books is disclosed. The system comprises a take-in conveyor having a plurality of take-in vessels for receiving articles at random; a sorting conveyor having a plurality of sorting vessels disposed in a plurality of rows crossing beneath the take-in conveyor; and a timing basket table including a plurality of timing baskets disposed between the take-in conveyor and the sorting conveyor. The timing basket table receives articles from the take-in conveyor and discharges the articles to the sorting conveyor.