Isn't this a matter of regulation? I'm not sure about US, but in EU you have old houses/buildings that are protected. Sure, you can buy them, but you can't modify or destroy them (being cultural heritage).
Most old books aren't worth protecting, and the publishing industry destroys oodles of them as waste that no one wants.
Most old books aren't worth protecting, and the publishing industry destroys oodles of them as waste that no one wants.