For over a year I have tried selling an encyclopedia set that is in pristine condition on Craigslist. I have even seen ads where people are giving away their encyclopedias for FREE. Due to the internet there is nothing that you can't find that isn't in the encyclopedia except the photos. However, they like other books, seem to be a thing of the past. It really is a shame.
Unfortunately I have to downsize and one of the things I have to part with are my books, so the encyclopedias seem to be hanging around without any responses to purchase them. I will probably end up donating them if I can find someone who wants them. I guess the only value of encyclopedia is the sentimental value one has for them. I myself think it is a beautiful sight to see books lining a bookshelf.
By carol from Beverly, MA
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Almost every day someone asks the value of a set of encyclopedias. Every day the answer is nothing. There is a reason for this. Information in a set of encyclopedias is almost instantly outdated. Names of countries change. Statistics change. World leaders change and it is likely that whatever information you are looking for might not be accurate.
I know who can use a set or two or three sets of encycloedias. There sre schools in the world, Uganda in particular, who have no technology. Not even electricity. There are no books in the schools. I would love to send them some encyclopedias.
I have a whole set in great condition. Would like to remove them! Interested?
I already intered a suggestion as to saving the pictures in these books. Some of them are of places as they were years ago or of places that no longer exist. They can be used for art projects. Someone suggested hollowing several of them out to keep valuables in. No one is going to steal these books.
I also thought that if you have friends or family members who appreciate a good joke you could give them wrapped version of the book with has their initial in it then when they open it there could be a nice gift inside or an envelope of money.
I took my 1955 World Book encyclopedia set to Half Price Books in the Dallas area. They buy books but said all they could do for me was to recycle them.
If you're having trouble finding a home for your set, call up your local theater company. Mine was more than happy to take one of my old encyclopedia sets to use as stage decoration, and they sent me a thank you letter that I could use for filing the donation as a tax deduction.
I am donating mine to the local public library. I get a tax deduction and the library can sell them to raise money to help the library. Win/Win.
Carol. I agree with you! Books are beautiful and I had rather my children look through books for information instead of sitting in front of a computer and looking something up. Sometimes while looking for something you can get a site that does not need to be seen by kids. Pretty soon books are going to be a thing of the past.
Why don't you make a pedestal for a coffee table with them?
Donating them to a homeless shelter or a senior rest home might make someone happy.
If by now you still do not have a home for your encyclopedias, I would be more than happy to take them off your hands. And if anyone else has any they want to get rid of I would be interested.
Hi my name is Caroline I have some very old encyclopedias to sell
I am interested in first editions of American encyclopedias like from 1880 and 1900. Does anyone know who might be wanting to get rid of 1880 and 1900 editions?
you would think they would want these old historic books i have 1768 complete set and book shelve
Hello Elizabeth,
I was reading some old questions and found your 7.8.16 comment about your 1768 encyclopedias. If you still have them, they may be valuable. Encyclopedias published before 1923 do have some value depending upon the type and condition. You may not know that this 1768 set of books was reprinted by the publisher in, I think, the 70's-some celebration at the time. They were reprinted to look exactly like an old 1768 set-stains, wrinkles, tears, etc.
Hello, I too have this problem. 1960 world book encyclopedia. Almost impossible to get anyone interested. I am considering leaving it in a box by a library noting that it is a donation. What do you think? Please respond...........
Do you still have the World Book Encyclopedias 1960 edition? You said you wanted to give them away. I have a friend looking for a pre-WWII set but he could be interested in yours. Please advise. Thanks.
Hi Are your funk and wagnell sets still available? I am greatly interested in them.
Please tell me if you still have them? I am a collector who finds meaning in still sitting down and reading from a book. I too have condensed my collection due to digital media. I no longer collect things such as DVD/BLU RAY, Music CDS, etc. due to the digital ability to listen on my phone or computer. We really thought we gained something but we really have lost something. Something so valuable one day, far awy in the future mankind will wish they could hold a book in their hands, while looking at their new screen which has become a part of their very arms, and they will cry for a reality unlike that which they became. I have a 1943 No.1 issue of World Progress The Standard Quarterly Review. I cannot even find it online. It is like it doesn't exist. Not yet anyway. I am trying to find a collector or perhaps a museum who would appreciate it's rich history which is unedited and truthful, unlike any media we find today.
Hi,I read where you love the.world progress encyclopedias, I got them from my grandmother, she was a school teacher,I have set 1, 2,7,8,4,a1949 issue,and a 1950 issue, I'm looking for the right buyer, I'm thinking like you, these books are Special.If you want to notify me, I'm Randy Fraley, my number is (606)7823688, I would love to hear from you.Thank you: Randy Fraley
The problem with the internet is that you have no guarantee that what you're seeing/reading is the truth. At least with an encyclopedia, the writers have some responsibility to write the truth. Who knows who is writing what on the internet?
I have some volumes of the ninth edition Encyclopedia Britannica. No idea what they're worth. I saved them from the rubbish. I think I'll hang on to them for the grandchildren
We got the first computer and gave away our encyclopedias. Within a few days we were greatly disappointed. Yes they were outdated but lots of information wouldn't change. Plants and states and county location. The internet could be down etc.
I have pieces of 1975 Leather bound encyclopedias, any suggestions where someone might want just specific Letters from the set?
I need some copies of old encyclopedia.can you donate to my school.
Dear Carol,
I home school my grandson. We need a set of encyclopedias for reference. We would be glad to accept your gift of the encyclopedias for our Christian School.
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