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Princeton University Receives $300 Million Rare Book Collection

If you're looking for another activity to help cut down on your TV viewing, maybe you can pick up a book.

Students at Princeton University in New Jersey will have the opportunity to see a treasure trove of historic books and manuscripts after a big donation.

William H. Scheide, an alumnus from the class of 1936 who died last year, left his Alma mater 2,500 books and manuscripts, worth $300 million! The collection includes the first printed editions of the Bible and the Declaration of Independence and the first printed editions of Shakespeare's plays. It even includes letters from the Civil War!

Scheide's collection was amassed over 150 years. His grandfather started it in 1865.

Scheide was a music enthusiast, scholar and philanthropist, donating time and financial support back to the university. A philanthropist is a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, through money or good causes.

stephanie.jarvis@ideastream.org | 216-916-6340