My wife's father recently passed away and we were looking for ideas on what to do with his pride and joy. He has a collection containing every Star Trek book ever released. We were considering giving it to the local library, but aren't completely sure they would take it as it several hundred books. We were wondering if you guys knew of any museums or libraries that might be interested in the collection. Or a convention where they could be displayed. We just want to make sure wherever they end up they aren't just thrown out. Ideally not too far from Texas as shipping would get very expensive. Thanks for any suggestions.
Huge Book Collection for Donation
- Thread starter KingOfPants
- Start date
If you donate it to a library, they will, in all likelihood, put the books in a library sale, for under a buck a piece.
In the early year, Star Trek books sold in vast numbers. Very few people are interested in them as collectibles today. There are probably 50 copies of each of the Blish and Foster books on eBay right now. So, they're not scarce. Unless they're in unread, like-new condition, there's probably not a huge market for the collection as a whole. How would you judge their condition?
In the early year, Star Trek books sold in vast numbers. Very few people are interested in them as collectibles today. There are probably 50 copies of each of the Blish and Foster books on eBay right now. So, they're not scarce. Unless they're in unread, like-new condition, there's probably not a huge market for the collection as a whole. How would you judge their condition?
Many were bought used, none are falling apart but they aren't really in like new condition.
You might be able to break it into chunks and sell it on eBay, but then you’d have to be prepared to ship ‘em when they sell.
There are some individual Trek books that are in demand but scarce, like some of the Vanguard series. They might fetch $10 or $20 a pop. Take a look at eBay to get an idea which ones are sought after. (Keep in mind that just because someone is asking $100 for a title doesn’t mean anyone is willing to SPEND $100 on that title.)
Its a small minority of titles that have any great value. The widespread adoption of ebooks has kind of cut the bottom out of the used book market.
Easiest would be to donate to a library or a thrift store, and let go of the idea of keeping the collection intact.
Sorry for the bad news, but that’s the reality of Trek book collecting these days.
There are some individual Trek books that are in demand but scarce, like some of the Vanguard series. They might fetch $10 or $20 a pop. Take a look at eBay to get an idea which ones are sought after. (Keep in mind that just because someone is asking $100 for a title doesn’t mean anyone is willing to SPEND $100 on that title.)
Its a small minority of titles that have any great value. The widespread adoption of ebooks has kind of cut the bottom out of the used book market.
Easiest would be to donate to a library or a thrift store, and let go of the idea of keeping the collection intact.
Sorry for the bad news, but that’s the reality of Trek book collecting these days.
I'm sorry for your loss. It's nice he derived so much pride and enjoyment from his collection. I can understand wanting to honour and respect that.
Perhaps quietly pick out a few that might be sentimental to keep. I tend to agree with Daddy Todd you can try ebay - what have you to lose? I recall selling some extremely weighty books that hubby no longer wanted and being surprised someone out of State wanted them! Paid for packaging as well. If they do go by the way of a secondhand bookstore or library they could still be a wonderful 'find' for someone.
Good luck.
Thanks for the replys, that was kind of what we were thinking. We weren't really interested in making any money of this, more in making sure that wherever they ended up they got appreciated. On that note if there are any fans in the Dallas area interested in picking them up feel free to email me at bhodili99@hotmail.com. It'll be a couple of days before we can get everything boxed up but we'd be happier giving them to fans then a library that might throw them out.
Don’t happen to have a list handy, do you? I’m pretty sure that I, too, have copies of every book, but it’s possible I missed one or two from the old days.
Some charities will pick up donations from people and sell them to stores, thereby raising money for their cause.
