Inaugural Georgetown Rare Book Fair Scheduled for May 13-15
Washington, DC — The inaugural Georgetown Rare Book Fair will take place from May 13 to May 15 at the City Tavern Club, the last remaining Federal tavern in Washington, DC, dating back to 1796. Over 30 rare booksellers from across the country will come to exhibit their books and ephemera at the fair. The fair is being organized by the City Tavern Preservation Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which is tasked with preserving the City Tavern.
The fair will start on Friday with a preview night from 6 pm to 8 pm. Book collectors will have the opportunity to gain first access to the books while eating canapes, drinking wine or literary- themed cocktails and strolling the halls where Washington, Adams and Jefferson once frequented. Tickets will cost $50, with proceeds going to the upkeep of the building. On Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 12 pm to 3 pm, the fair will be open to the public free of charge with a suggested donation to the City Tavern Preservation Foundation of $10. A specialist will be on hand to appraise books brought in by the public.
Dealers will be treated to two three-course dinners as part of the program. “This will be the first rare book fair in DC since 2019,” Eve Rachel Lemon, the Director of the Georgetown Rare Book Fair said. “As we are a social club, we aim to create a more immersive experience, connecting book collectors and sellers, and building relationships. Our goal is to introduce a new generation to the world of book collecting. As a younger collector myself and a woman, I aim to make this fair a place for both older, more established dealers and younger, up-and-coming sellers to exhibit their wares. I am delighted that one third of our dealers are under 40 and a fifth are women.”
If you have any questions, please contact Eve Rachel Lemon, Director, Georgetown Rare Book Fair at georgetownrarebookfair@gmail.com or 917-580-1116.
