Starting in his childhood, flipping through pages of Tarzan novels, Billy Graham’s early love for reading continued throughout his lifetime. He had a natural intellectual curiosity, but as his ministry developed, he also understood that in order to minister to people effectively, he must first understand them. He relied on reading from varied sources in order to increase his insights into people from different walks of life.

His personal library contained over 15,000 books, with many of these being first editions and autographed copies. Some books he purchased, but gifted copies from authors and publishers made up a vast amount. The genres included both fiction and nonfiction.

The fiction book selection was comprised of Western novels by writers like Zane Grey and also included historical fiction. The nonfiction books covered topics such as political science, history (particularly North Carolina history), biographies, and theology. He also subscribed to various periodicals and newspapers to stay abreast of current world events, which he often referred to in his sermons.

But through all his studying, what he held in the highest esteem was the Word of God. This thirst led him to procure Bibles in various translations, commentaries, and resources that would further his understanding and ultimately provide inspiration to write and deliver sermons across the globe.

He even traveled from Crusade to Crusade with a collection of study materials: The Interpreter’s Bible (Twelve Volumes), The Daily Study Bible by William Barclay, Haley’s Bible Handbook, Thru the Bible by J. Vernon McGee, and The Zondervan Topical Bible.

Today, a myriad of his books fill built-in shelves enclosed by glass along the staff hallways of the Billy Graham Library. And others are visible by allowing your eyes to tilt upward along the walls of Ruth’s Attic bookstore.

For those seeking the same inspiration, direction, and information from the written materials that Billy Graham drew upon during his ministry, a portion of his prized Biblical resources are accessible in the research room of the Billy Graham Archive and Research Center in Charlotte, N.C.

Along the main wall of the research room, shelves are packed with more than 1,600 books, including a vast selection of Billy Graham’s personal study materials. This collection of books was carefully selected with the mission of furthering the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They primarily relate to sermon preparation and many were used by Billy Graham for that purpose. You will also find the books he authored in various languages, those authored by Ruth Bell Graham, and books written by other members of the Graham family.

With the goal of equipping evangelists, ministry leaders, and students in proclamation evangelism, the research room’s top shelf contains bound copies of Billy Graham’s sermon transcripts from 1949 to 2005. Additionally, all of the issues of Decision magazine—a monthly publication founded by Billy Graham in 1960 examining culture from an evangelical worldview—are available for study in the research room.

It is no secret that Billy Graham’s heart burned to carry the Gospel to the nations, and at the Archive and Research Center, that mission continues today. One way that happens is by allowing researchers to look through, handle, and garner knowledge from the same resources Billy Graham used. And contained within the thousands of pages available to peruse, little surprises await those who take the time to study his books: ink-stained underlined words and sentences marked by Billy Graham himself.

If you’re a student, leader, or researcher, we invite you to explore the resources provided at the Billy Graham Archive and Research Center. Browse our online collection guide and request an appointment to study at the Billy Graham Archive and Research Center today.

Beginning June 1, the Billy Graham Archive and Research Center will publish a bi-monthly blog post on historical materials and topics relative to the archival collections.