ABAA Connect Returns to New York International Antiquarian Book Fair

The New York International Antiquarian Book Fair (NYIABF) and the New York Public Library (NYPL) have announced that ABAA Connect will return for the second year in a row for its 63rd edition.

A program resurrected from the early 2000's, ABAA Connect allows the NYPL to request items at the fair from exhibitors, purchased for the institution by various donors.

The NYIABF will kick-off ABAA Connect by sharing a broad list of topics and items that the NYPL is seeking, offering exhibitors the chance to suggest items most suited to these subjects. Exhibitors may send descriptions of up to five items they would like to be considered, and these items will then be compiled in one Offer List. NYPL curators will browse the Offer List in advance of the fair and choose items they are interested in acquiring. Exhibitors will be notified if their items were selected, and these items become part of the Request List.

By participating in the program, exhibitors agree to reserve these items for the NYPL curators and donors through the preview of the fair on April 27. NYPL curators will share the Request List with donors to solicit their participation in the program and invite them to attend the fair.

To ensure its success, NYPL is hosting a special event on April 17 where the curators will present and discuss their requested items with donors. During the Thursday Preview, curators and donors will receive complimentary admission when the fair opens. Items may be viewed and purchased directly from the exhibitors offering them during the opening preview. If any items are not purchased, exhibitors may offer them for sale to anyone after the close of the preview.

The NYIABF hopes this program will expose curators to exciting items, connect booksellers with NYPL curators, entice curators and donors to attend the fair and purchase items (for the NYPL and their personal collections), and inspire any fairgoer to become a donor.

ABAA Connect runs at the Park Avenue Armory in New York City April 27-30.