You've inherited a book collection — maybe from a parent, grandparent, or other relative. Now you're staring at shelves, boxes, or an entire room full of books, and you have no idea what to do with them.
First: take a breath. You don't have to deal with it all at once, and you definitely shouldn't throw anything away without checking. Here's a calm, practical approach.
Step 1: Keep What You Want
Before anything else, go through the collection and pull out anything you want to keep — books with personal significance, titles you've always wanted to read, anything that connects you to the person who left them. These aren't about money; they're about memory.
Step 2: Don't Sort — Just Evaluate
A lot of people try to sort inherited books into "valuable" and "not valuable" piles based on appearance or gut feeling. This doesn't work. A beat-up paperback can be worth $100 if it's the right title, and a beautiful leather-bound set can be worth $20.
The better approach: bring everything in (or have us come to you) and let us evaluate it all. We'll do the sorting.
Step 3: Get a Professional Evaluation
We offer free evaluations with no obligation. For inherited collections:
- Small collections (a few boxes): Bring them to our warehouse at 5445 Edith Blvd NE Unit A
- Large collections (shelves or rooms): We'll come to you for free
- Not sure about size? Text photos of the shelves to 702-496-4214 and we'll advise
What Inherited Collections Often Contain
In our experience, inherited collections frequently contain:
- First editions the original owner didn't know they had
- Signed copies from bookstore events or author visits
- Vintage hardcovers with dust jackets (worth more than you'd think)
- Regional and local-interest books (especially Southwest titles)
- Mixed in with book club editions, Reader's Digest, and encyclopedias (which have little value but NMLP will take them)
Take Your Time
There's no rush. Books aren't perishable (unless they're damp or moldy — in that case, do remove them from the rest). If you're dealing with grief alongside logistics, go at your own pace. We'll be here when you're ready.
When the time comes, call or text 702-496-4214.