Book Fairs Are Booming!

The rare book world is enjoying a solid return to business as usual, according to a statement from the UK-based Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association (ABA) and the Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association (PBFA) who say that book fairs have recovered their position as the centrepiece of the industry. 

They point to another successful edition of Firsts: London’s Rare Book Fair in May - the third since COVID-19 shut down international book fairs - and a new collaborative fair in Bath at the end of July as examples of a return to physical book-buying, with the industry still benefitting from the new surge in online business which was established over the pandemic period. According to the two associations, the book trade is also seeing an unprecedented interest from new and younger collectors. 

Both the ABA and the PBFA run a lively program of annual bookfairs which allow dealers to meet their customers, showcase their stock, and trade with colleagues. Thriving on communication and conviviality, fairs are also a wonderful social opportunity, enjoyed by customers and dealers alike. Founded in 1906, the ABA has been putting on book fairs since the early 20th century and the PBFA celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, its first fair taking place in York in 1972. 

“Book fairs have always been the heart-beat of the rare book trade," said ABA president Deborah Coltham, "not least for being ‘save the date’ occasions in the annual calendar for bibliophiles to meet and socialise. A key challenge for the book trade post-pandemic was whether we would be able to tempt buyers away from the ease of online shopping, and back to the joy and thrill of browsing an actual bookshelf. We have been delighted as an association to see fairs making such a strong return, and personally I have been especially pleased to see an increasing number of younger dealers and collectors, the ABA hosting various talks and tours at the fair in May with this in mind.”

PBFA Chairman John Morten added: “It is great to see the whole of the British trade is once again embracing the unique atmosphere of physical book fairs. There is nothing like actually handling this array of wonderful items on show and being able to chat with knowledgeable dealers who share a passion for books, and the full range of subjects they cover. Walking into a book fair is the start of a wonderful journey into the unknown.” 

Upcoming PBFA and ABA Book Fairs include the York National Book Fair (September 13 -14,  York Racecourse) and Chelsea Rare Book Fair (November 1-2, Chelsea Old Town Hall).