In an article from the Muskegon Chronicle:
These days, extra pocket money can always come in handy. In Hackley Public Library’s case, an old book found in “the stacks” came to the rescue.
That book, according to library director Marty Ferriby, “didn’t look like anything” special, but as it turns out, it was. It was a rare first-edition Book of Mormon, which library leaders believe will fetch more than $70,000 that will be used to benefit library users.
It was one of 5,000 books printed in 1830 by Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, after he said an angel named Moroni guided him to gold tablets documenting the teachings and lives of ancient tribes. Collectors estimate there are about 1,000 of the first-edition books left, though they know of only about 500 copies, Ferriby said.
The book first came into the library’s collection during patron Charles H. Hackley’s day — further evidence that Muskegon’s benefactor is still looking out for his old hometown.
It amazes me that people would actually pay tens of thousands of dollars for such a book. This is a book that has over 100 million copies published and in over 100 languages and spread throughout the entire world. The doctrines and textual significance of the Book of Mormon remains the same whether it is the first edition or a free paperback edition distributed by missionaries. I have personally seen, handled, and read one of the 1830 editions of the Book of Mormon. I feel the Holy Spirit the same when I read from it as I do when I read my triple combination.
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