Are Encyclopedias Worth Any Money?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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What Are The Most Valuable Encyclopedias? Though a lack of relevance renders most complete encyclopedia set values at less than $75, there are some rare editions that have historical value. …

Older sets of encyclopedias can carry excellent value as well

, especially if they’re in good condition.

What’s the best thing to do with old encyclopedias?

If you’re looking for a more purposeful use for your old encyclopedias, try

local schools and libraries

. Schools can use the encyclopedias in classrooms or in their library, and local libraries sometimes use donated books to stock shelves.

Does anyone buy old encyclopedias?

Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc., receive donations of tons of old encyclopedias, dictionaries and reference books but send them to recycling centers or dumps as they cannot use or sell them. You can check online for

old

book collectors, on EBay, Craigs List and other retail sites for possibilities.

What are encyclopedias worth?

According to Beattie, 9th and 11th Britannica Editions can sell for as much as

$300 to $400 per set

, if in good, clean condition. And Roundtree says a fine set of 11th Edition Britannicas can command as much as $3,000.

What can I do with an old set of World book encyclopedias?


Call your local library and ask if you may donate your set to be sold

. Put it up for giveaway on freecycle.org. If they’re really old — say, more than 100 years — call a rare bookseller and ask if they’re worth anything. Find out if a local recycler takes them.

Is there a market for encyclopedias?

Once the first set of books required in any home library, Encyclopedia Britannica has long since been superseded by the internet. But rather

extraordinarily there is still a market for it

, as Octavia Pollock finds out.

Is there a market for used encyclopedias?

Though a lack of relevance renders

most complete encyclopedia set values at less than $75

, there are some rare editions that have historical value. … Older sets of encyclopedias can carry excellent value as well, especially if they’re in good condition.

Can you still buy Encyclopedia Britannica?

Encyclopaedia Britannica: After 244 years in print,

only digital copies sold

. Encyclopaedia Britannica cost $1400 for a full 32-volume print edition. Only 4,000 are left in stock. Now, the Encyclopaedia Britannica will only be available in digital versions.

Are Funk and Wagnall encyclopedias worth anything?

Many people have old books they think are valuable and would like to sell. Most old dictionaries, references etc., have very little value-a few dollars at most.

Encyclopedias dated after 1923 are essentially worthless

but crafters may be interested for the old pictures.

How much are Colliers encyclopedias worth?

As an investment or an antique, a collectible Collier Encyclopedia is really not very collectible. Generally you can find a

set for less than ten dollars

, or even free.

Where can I get rid of encyclopedias?

Shelters that are geared toward helping children and that have educational standards will often accept donations of encyclopedias. Donate the encyclopedia set

to Goodwill or The Salvation Army

. They take donations of all kinds, including books and even encyclopedia sets.

Can you recycle encyclopedias?

The cover and spine contain non-paper materials that are considered contaminants in the paper recycling stream. Most libraries or other book reuse

and resale organizations do not accept encyclopedias or text books

.

Are old Childcraft books worth anything?

Most old dictionaries, encyclopedias, etc., have

very little value

-a few dollars at most. You can check online for old book collectors, on EBay, Craigslist and other retail sites for possibilities.

How much are Grolier encyclopedias worth?

A recent edition of Grolier’s premier printed encyclopedia in good condition can easily fetch

over $100

, with the most recent editions being worth the most money. Even an older edition, such as from the 1970s, can be worth over $100 if it’s in mint condition.

What old books are worth money?

  • The Hobbit (1937), J.R.R. Tolkien. …
  • Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (1997), J.K. Rowling. …
  • The Cat in the Hat (1957) Dr. …
  • The Hound of the Baskervilles (1902), Arthur Conan Doyle. …
  • The Bible (1600 – 1630)

Are encyclopedias obsolete?

Today,

encyclopedias are almost forgotten for all

but a small number of nostalgics. Bookshops are rarely selling them anymore, old bookshops aren’t valuing them anymore, and even charities have a hard time giving them away.

Charlene Dyck
Author
Charlene Dyck
Charlene is a software developer and technology expert with a degree in computer science. She has worked for major tech companies and has a keen understanding of how computers and electronics work. Sarah is also an advocate for digital privacy and security.