Though the German-language books are the most valuable part of the collection, from a monetary point of view, most of the books are 19th and 20th century volumes in English or great historical and literary significance. He also acquired many volumes in the Pennsylvania Archives series, the official collection of documents relating to the history of the Commonwealth, as well as yearbooks of the Pennsylvania German Society. In the same general context are dozens of books dealing with local and regional Pennsylvania history. Beyond this are valuable sets of biographical studies, often in multiple volumes, documenting the lives of Pennsylvania worthies. These regional works are expanded to reflect interest in general American history, with multi-volumned standard studies, biographies, military stories, and travel accounts.
Many geographical descriptions add to the portrayal of the American experience.
Also to be mentioned are the books of literature, including the collected works of writers such as Mark Twain and Rudyard Kipling. In sum, scholars studying Pennsylvania-German printing, as well as those interested in regional and national American history and literature will find much of benefit in the donation from Mutual Benefit Group to Juniata. The college is extremely grateful that the gift has been given to us for preservation and use by many generations of interested patrons.