This is the question we get asked more than any other: "I have a set of encyclopedias — are they worth anything?" We wish we had better news, but here's the honest answer.
The Short Answer
Most encyclopedia sets have very little resale value. This includes Encyclopaedia Britannica, World Book, Funk & Wagnalls, Collier's, Compton's, and Americana. Even complete sets in excellent condition typically sell for $10-50 at best — and many don't sell at all.
Why Encyclopedias Lost Their Value
Three factors killed the encyclopedia market simultaneously:
- The internet. Wikipedia and free online resources replaced encyclopedias for reference use. Nobody looks up "photosynthesis" in a physical encyclopedia anymore.
- Massive supply. Encyclopedias were sold door-to-door to millions of American families from the 1950s through the 1990s. The supply vastly exceeds demand.
- Physical size. A complete set takes up 3-4 feet of shelf space and weighs 50-100 pounds. Shipping costs make online sales impractical.
Are ANY Encyclopedias Valuable?
A few narrow exceptions:
- Pre-1800 encyclopedias — early editions of Diderot's Encyclopédie, early Britannica editions (1st-3rd edition, 1768-1797), and similar truly antique works have value as historical artifacts. These are extremely rare.
- Fine leather-bound decorative sets — some buyers purchase ornamental leather-bound sets purely as decoration. Value is $50-200 for a visually appealing complete set — and the buyer cares more about the bindings than the content.
- Individual volumes with notable illustrations — some old encyclopedias contain hand-colored plates or engravings that have value as individual prints. Breaking the set and selling plates individually can sometimes yield more than the complete set.
If your encyclopedias don't fall into these categories — and 99% don't — they're not going to sell for meaningful money.
What to Do With Your Encyclopedias
Please don't throw them in the dumpster. Here are better options in Albuquerque:
- Donate to the New Mexico Literacy Project — we accept encyclopedias at our 24/7 drop box at 5445 Edith Blvd NE Unit A. They get recycled, repurposed, or passed along to someone who wants them.
- Offer free on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist — some people want decorative sets or use them for art projects, decoupage, and journaling.
- Schools and daycares — some teachers use old encyclopedias for classroom projects.
- Art supply — crafters buy old encyclopedia pages for collage, decoupage, and mixed media art.
Got Books Besides Encyclopedias?
If you're clearing out a home or collection and the encyclopedias are just part of a larger batch, bring everything in. The encyclopedias probably aren't worth much, but the other books might surprise you. We'll evaluate everything for free — the encyclopedias go to NMLP, and you get cash for anything with value.
What to Do With Your Encyclopedia Set
If your encyclopedias aren't worth selling (and most aren't), here are your best options in Albuquerque:
- Donate to NMLP — the New Mexico Literacy Project accepts encyclopedias in any condition at their 24/7 drop box on Edith Blvd.
- Crafters and artists — encyclopedia pages are popular for decoupage, collage, and journal art. Post them free on Facebook Marketplace and they'll disappear fast.
- Decorative use — matched leather-bound sets make attractive shelf displays even without resale value. Keep them if you like the look.
- Recycle — as a last resort, encyclopedias can go in mixed paper recycling. Remove the covers first (the glue binding contaminates paper recycling).
Don't just throw them in the trash. Even if they're not worth money, they don't belong in a landfill. Bring them to us — we'll sort out the rare exceptions and donate the rest.
Call or text 702-496-4214.