The Mennonite Historical Library frequently gets questions regarding old books and especially old Bibles. The answers to these questions can be simple or very complex depending on the items in hand. Many factors go into determining the value of old books, including condition and rarity.
Old books can remain in extremely good condition if they have been stored carefully.
If a book has spent several generations in hot attics or damp basements it may be in poor condition. The value of old Mennonite books more often tends to be historical or sentimental rather than monetary. The MHL can offer an assessment of the condition and significance of books as they relate to Anabaptist-Mennonite groups . Accurate assessments require on-site examination of the items. We cannot provide formal monetary appraisals.