Several rare book dealers have expressed concerns that artificial intelligence companies are acquiring large quantities of rare books, potentially to destroy them. The practice, which has not been publicly confirmed, has sparked resistance from the bookseller community. While the motivations behind these purchases are unclear, the actions have raised concerns about the potential loss of historical and cultural artifacts. The rare book trade is a significant market, with many valuable and irreplaceable items changing hands each year. The involvement of AI firms in this market has added a new layer of complexity to the industry. This development matters because it highlights the potential risks of large corporations acquiring and potentially destroying rare and valuable cultural assets.