Final answer:
The Puritans valued books that were religious in nature, especially those that facilitated the reading and understanding of the Bible. Educational institutions and laws were established to ensure that everyone could read the Scriptures, which was central to their belief in predestination and being among the 'elect'. Other forms of literature were not held in as high regard unless they contributed to their religious understanding and practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Puritans, who were adherents of Calvinism, had a strong focus on the importance of being able to read the Scriptures. They considered education to be one of the most crucial aspects of life, necessary for understanding and adhering to religious principles, as well as for qualifying for church membership.
The establishment of the first printing press in English America in 1636 and the publication of books such as the Bay Psalm Book and The New England Primer were indicative of this priority.
Education in towns was mandatory for children to learn to read and write, specifically to study the Bible, reflecting the Puritans' emphasis on scripture and their belief in predestination. The Puritans valued religious texts and placed less value on other forms of literature that did not align with their theological beliefs or aid in the interpretation of their faith.