Thomas Jefferson's father passed away in 1757, leaving behind a library that contained forty-two books, a noteworthy collection for that time. In comparison, John Harvard, whose death left a library of four hundred books, was considered extraordinary, with his collection being significant enough to inspire the naming of Harvard College in his honor.

Harvard built his library gradually, accumulating around twelve books annually throughout his lifetime. This dedication to knowledge and literature exemplifies the value placed on books in an era when access to them was limited, highlighting the cultural importance of such collections in the historical context.