encyclopedias?

Question

I do not know if you can help me, but I have a set of encyclopedias that my father bought in the 50's and I just can't make myself throw them out. I have too much respect for books. Is there any organization that I could donate them to? Thanks.

Answer 1

See if any nearby colleges have a history department that could use them. Outdated encyclopedias are great for comparing conventional wisdom, even better than magazines I think, because it's a record of what the educated people believed in. If that doesn't work, and you can bring yourself to do it, I know there are instructions online for making neat lamps out of old books. I have some I keep meaning to do that with. Then you'd still have the memento of your dad, but they'd be practical too.
Here's a link to instructions: http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/ls_lamps/article/0,2025,DIY_14086_2268395,00.html

Answer 2

It is hard to throw things out, I am the ultimate pack rat. As a librarian and book collector (and practical person), encyclopedias are not really meant to last forever. The type of information they contain is very topical and concise. Consider what a set from the 1950's will say about computers, space travel, medical advancements and the Vietnam war. Communism. See my point?

Their value is purely sentimental (which is worth something to YOU), but I would hesitate to suggest you donate them. They would be of no use to children, and may even do them a disservice.

The only thing I can think of is that you find a restaurant or set decorator, if they are interesting visually. People who stage houses for sale, etc. may have a use for them. Or maybe a teacher who would like to compare them to a more modern edition.