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1Keeline
In the 1990s when I managed an antiquarian bookstore that specialized in old children's books, there were two to six fairly large book fairs a year in Southern California (as far north as Ventura). Of course there were also many used bookstores as well. On Adams Avenue in San Diego alone there were a dozen shops and it was called "book row." Now, of course, there are few open shop bookstores and most of the trade occurs on eBay and the used book databases. That's fine as far as it goes but there are many limitations.
For one, visiting a bookstore gives you a chance to interact with someone who feels much the same way you, the collector, does about old books. Either you or s/he may know more about a given book, author, or illustrator but the interaction provides an opportunity to learn and share.
Only part of collecting books involves searching for specific items you know exist. Often times, part of the joy comes from the serendipity of discovering something new. This is why, in San Diego, we search for new mysteries at the specialist shop called Mysterious Galaxy. We see new books there that B&N doesn't bother to carry and actually seeing the books, items will catch our eye and interest we might not have otherwise discovered. The same is true for used bookstores.
Of course, used bookstores have used the Internet as well, often times as a guide to "price" the books without knowing much about their value. As you have visited bookstores, I'll bet you've seen the shelf for appealing books that are unpriced and awaiting "research" online. Looking at the prices on the used book databases will merely tell you the highest and perhaps lowest prices at which a book has not yet sold. There is no solid information on the books that have sold, unless they are in the month's top 20 sales.
Like the books they hold, book fairs are now scarcer. In Southern California there are only one or two a year. The next one coming up is a fair that I have attended and purchased from in the past to advantage. The Pasadena Antiquarian Book Fair will be held this October 6-7 at the Pasadena Center.
This same venue has hosted the big ABAA Book Fair in February 2012. This is the fair that alternates between San Francisco (2013) and the Los Angeles area (2012, 2014). It is a tradition that the other city will have a "shadow" book fair on the weekend before the big one and it is not uncommon for dealers to either sell at both or attend the shadow fair to pick up last-minute items for the "International."
Attending a book fair is a great way to see many books you would not otherwise see, either online or in person. Dealers tend to bring their best material, including items specially set aside for the event. However, because the October fair is less expensive at which to sell than others, the books can often be more affordable. Indeed, when a "shadow" fair is held the week before the ABAA, the dealers for the latter can often afford to buy choice items for resale.
If you haven't attended an antiquarian book fair before, don't get the impression that all of the items offered are a month's pay. Many are priced at the level of a tank of gas or a nice dinner.
Not only will you see great books at a book fair, wherever it is held, you will also meet people who are sellers who are often just as passionate about books as you are. They can be great resources for information (and books) and help to guide your purchases. When it is time to sell, they can also be the people to whom you may wish to consign or sell outright.
If you are anywhere within reach of Pasadena in Southern California for the first weekend in October, I highly recommend a visit to the book fair. If you do, stop by #205 and say "hello" and see what we and the other sellers have to offer.
If book fairs disappear, it will be because the sellers can't attract enough collectors to visit. This is an area where you can make a difference.
What are your book fair experiences? Have you been to one in your area lately? Have you found great items at one?
James
For one, visiting a bookstore gives you a chance to interact with someone who feels much the same way you, the collector, does about old books. Either you or s/he may know more about a given book, author, or illustrator but the interaction provides an opportunity to learn and share.
Only part of collecting books involves searching for specific items you know exist. Often times, part of the joy comes from the serendipity of discovering something new. This is why, in San Diego, we search for new mysteries at the specialist shop called Mysterious Galaxy. We see new books there that B&N doesn't bother to carry and actually seeing the books, items will catch our eye and interest we might not have otherwise discovered. The same is true for used bookstores.
Of course, used bookstores have used the Internet as well, often times as a guide to "price" the books without knowing much about their value. As you have visited bookstores, I'll bet you've seen the shelf for appealing books that are unpriced and awaiting "research" online. Looking at the prices on the used book databases will merely tell you the highest and perhaps lowest prices at which a book has not yet sold. There is no solid information on the books that have sold, unless they are in the month's top 20 sales.
Like the books they hold, book fairs are now scarcer. In Southern California there are only one or two a year. The next one coming up is a fair that I have attended and purchased from in the past to advantage. The Pasadena Antiquarian Book Fair will be held this October 6-7 at the Pasadena Center.
This same venue has hosted the big ABAA Book Fair in February 2012. This is the fair that alternates between San Francisco (2013) and the Los Angeles area (2012, 2014). It is a tradition that the other city will have a "shadow" book fair on the weekend before the big one and it is not uncommon for dealers to either sell at both or attend the shadow fair to pick up last-minute items for the "International."
Attending a book fair is a great way to see many books you would not otherwise see, either online or in person. Dealers tend to bring their best material, including items specially set aside for the event. However, because the October fair is less expensive at which to sell than others, the books can often be more affordable. Indeed, when a "shadow" fair is held the week before the ABAA, the dealers for the latter can often afford to buy choice items for resale.
If you haven't attended an antiquarian book fair before, don't get the impression that all of the items offered are a month's pay. Many are priced at the level of a tank of gas or a nice dinner.
Not only will you see great books at a book fair, wherever it is held, you will also meet people who are sellers who are often just as passionate about books as you are. They can be great resources for information (and books) and help to guide your purchases. When it is time to sell, they can also be the people to whom you may wish to consign or sell outright.
If you are anywhere within reach of Pasadena in Southern California for the first weekend in October, I highly recommend a visit to the book fair. If you do, stop by #205 and say "hello" and see what we and the other sellers have to offer.
If book fairs disappear, it will be because the sellers can't attract enough collectors to visit. This is an area where you can make a difference.
What are your book fair experiences? Have you been to one in your area lately? Have you found great items at one?
James
2Nicole_VanK
I'm fortunate in that there's a book fair in my home town (The Hague, Netherlands) every thursday and sunday. I've found real gems there, often at affordable prices. But I must admit that, like everybody else, I now mostly buy over the internet (AntiqBook is a treasure trove).
However, if any of you ever happen to come this way I would highly advise a visit to the "Boekenmarkt op het Lange Voorhout" (summer location) or "Boekenmarkt op het Plein" (winter location). Don't worry - not just Dutch language books
http://www.librarything.com/venue/40490/Boekenmarkt-op-het-Plein
http://www.librarything.com/venue/40491/Boekenmarkt-op-het-Lange-Voorhout
However, if any of you ever happen to come this way I would highly advise a visit to the "Boekenmarkt op het Lange Voorhout" (summer location) or "Boekenmarkt op het Plein" (winter location). Don't worry - not just Dutch language books
http://www.librarything.com/venue/40490/Boekenmarkt-op-het-Plein
http://www.librarything.com/venue/40491/Boekenmarkt-op-het-Lange-Voorhout
3mtnmdjd
The annual Tucson Book Fair is great fun. Much to my amazement it continues to grow every year. I highly recommend southern Arizona booklovers to attend. Little or nothing antiquarian but lots of authors, micropublishers, and books on local topics. My favorite speaker last year was Brad Meltzer. Support your local sellers and fairs!
4JimThomson
For those of you who live in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region, let's not forget the National Book Festival in D.C. (www.loc.gov/bookfest/) on Sept. 22 & 23, plus the Baltimore Book Festival (www.baltimorebookfestival.com) on Sept. 28, 29 & 30. These are not new events. I still remember Mrs. Clinton once asking "Why is it that Baltimore has a Book Festival and we (D.C.) do not?" D.C. has the big one but the Baltimore has three days of seminars, lectures and other presentations. Hope to see you there!
5PennyDreadful4
Every so often the children's hospital will have a giant book fair in the mall. Almost everything is 1-3$. At the last one I got 8 books for 33$ and wish I had gotten more. Next time I'll be more prepared, give myself more time and maybe bring a box.
