The 36th Ann Arbor Antiquarian Book Fair Highlights Children’s Illustrated Books
On Sunday, May 18th, the Ann Arbor Antiquarian Bookdealers Association and the William L. Clements Library of the University of Michigan will host the 36th annual Ann Arbor Antiquarian Book Fair. Since 1976* the fair attracts book collectors, book dealers, and others that treasure the book from throughout the Midwest to Ann Arbor.
The fair will be held in the ballroom of the Michigan Student Union, 530 S. States St. in Ann Arbor. The hours are 11am to 5pm and there is a $5.00 donation requested that benefits the William L. Clements Library of the University of Michigan.
While some aspects of the book business have been in decline the Ann Arbor Antiquarian Book Fair has thrived. Attendance has steadily increased and the quality of exhibiting dealers continues to improve. Nearly a third of the exhibiting dealers are members of the prestigious Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America (ABAA). In this digital age many people, young and old, prefer the “feel” of a book and would rather see and touch a book before buying it. It is a great opportunity to talk with the exhibiting dealers and learn more about the fascinating world of books.
Of the 40 exhibiting dealers, some come from as far as Virginia, Tennessee, Missouri, and Minnesota. Since the dealers will be bringing their most interesting titles, it has been quipped that on that day the book fair is the best book shop in the world.
This year there will be a large number of children’s illustrated books, featuring such illustrators as Maurice Sendak, Chris Van Allsburg, Edmund Dulac, and Arthur Rackham. In addition there will be the usual fine selection of literary first editions, Americana, travel and exploration, paper ephemera, and fine bindings.
There will also be two of the Michigan’s finest bookbinders there to exhibit their handiwork and answer questions about book preservation and restoration.
For more information contact Jay Platt at 734-995-1891 or jplatt@provide.net. Also visit our website at annarborbookfair.com.
*The history of the fair is posted on our website.
