Miniature Book Society Book Fair and Annual Conclave Returns This Month

The Miniature Book Society will hold their 40th annual Grand Conclave weekend conference August 23-25 culminating in the Sunday Book Fair which will be open to the public.

The Conclave is held every autumn in a different city and this year moves to Los Angeles after previously convening in Princeton, San Diego, Seattle, New Orleans, Dublin, and Amsterdam. The weekend begins on August 23 with the annual member meeting and a tour of Los Angeles Central Public Library and a viewing of some of its miniature books in the rare book room, followed by a reception and dinner including a silent auction. The following day there will be a tour of Mariana Blau’s workshop at A-1 Book Binding, and then afternoon presentations by John Howell, Tony Firman, and Miyako Akai. The day finishes with a reception and desserts and a live auction.

The book fair is open for members of the society from 11am until 12 noon on August 25, and then opens to the public from 12 noon until 5pm with free admission. U.S. and international miniature booksellers will be offering a wide range of miniature books including antique, contemporary, artists books and children’s at all price points.

An evening dinner will featue an awards ceremony, book competition results, and welcomes keynote speaker former MBS President Stephen Byrne. On August 26 there is an optional tour of the Huntington Library and Gardens.