Short Takes: Classes and Financial Assistance for Study in Rare Books and the Antiquarian Trade

1. New Summer Course at Rare Books School at U of VA focuses on Texts from Jewish and Christian Sources. Apply by March 3. (Via news release)

Rare Book School announced the addition of a new course, H-220: The Materiality of Jewish and Christian Books, to its summer 2026 schedule. This course runs 14–19 June at Harvard University. It will be taught by RBS faculty members Peter Stallybrass and David Stern.

Drawing on a wide range of material texts from multiple libraries at Harvard University, the course studies the material text from its earliest stages in papyrus scrolls and codices through hand-written medieval manuscripts of many types, and printed books from the 1450s to the nineteenth century.

Examples to be viewed in class include papyrus fragments of Homer and the Bible; Hebrew Esther scrolls; early Qur’an leaves; Greek and Latin codices; Books of Hours and many other illuminated and decorated medieval manuscripts; the Gutenberg Bible; Luther; herbals; and censored books.

The specific focus of the course will be on examining comparatively the different and common ways that materiality figures in defining the identity of Jewish and Christian books.

For the best chance of admission, please submit an application by the first-round deadline of Tuesday, 3 March (note that this deadline is different from that of other courses). Applications received after that date will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all available seats have been filled, but many of the classes will fill in the first round of admissions decisions.

For more information contact Kim Curtis, RBS Director of Communications (434) 243-7077

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2. Kane Memorial Scholarship for studies in rare book and antiquarian trade studies offered by Northern California Chapter (NCC) of the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America (ABAA). Deadline March 27. (Via news release)

In memory of long-time member George Robert Kane (Oct. 6, 1913–Nov. 28, 2009), the Northern California Chapter of the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America announces the availability of an Educational Scholarship for Summer/Fall 2026. In the interest of promoting professionalism and education relevant to the antiquarian book trade, persons currently working in or actively pursuing a career in the book trade are especially encouraged to apply.

The scholarship will pay $1,500 towards participation in a course of study offered in the Summer/Fall of 2026:

- California Rare Book School (Los Angeles);

- CABS-Minnesota (St. Olaf College);

- Rare Book School (Charlottesville, Virginia)

Please email Zhenya Dzhavgova to obtain an application: Zhenya@zh-books.com

Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m., Friday, March 27, 2026. The NCC/ABAA will notify scholarship applicants of its award decision via email by March 31, 2026.

Each application must include at least one written letter of support by a professional bookseller or rare book librarian, as well as the applicant's biography and essay.

To apply for the NCC/ABAA Educational Scholarship, please provide the following:

1) A completed copy of the application form.

2) A personal statement or essay (no longer than two pages) in which you describe your past or current experience in the world of rare books, your goals for the future, and what you hope to gain from the studies afforded by this scholarship.

3) Letter of support written by a professional bookseller or rare book librarian.

Complete application and supporting letter may be submitted via a PDF email attachment to Zhenya Dzhavgova, NCC vice chair, at Zhenya@zh-books.com or by post to: Zhenya Dzhavgova, ZH BOOKS, 39321 Mariposa Way, Fremont, CA 94538.

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3. CABS-Minnesota Antiquarian Book Seminar and ILAB call for 2026 scholarship applications from early career booksellers. Deadline April 24. (Via news release)

ILAB and the CABS-Minnesota Antiquarian Book Seminar offer a scholarship to cover the full CABS-Minnesota tuition fee and on-campus accommodations, which includes breakfasts and lunches Monday through Friday for the week of the seminar. It further includes a reimbursement of 75% of travel costs, capped at US$1500.

The annual CABS-Minnesota Antiquarian Book Seminar provides an important opportunity for booksellers, at an early point in their career, to learn from experienced booksellers who generously share their expertise and experience and a comprehensive survey of the domestic and international rare book market. The seminar consists of several days of lectures, workshops and communication with guest speakers, carefully selected from the bookselling and library community by the CABS-Minnesota board.

Over its long history, the seminar has proven to be an invaluable educational platform from which over 3000 booksellers have enormously benefited. Enrollment is limited to 50 students per year.

Who can apply and how?

Applicants must be in the first 5 years of a full-time bookselling career and reside outside the USA. Applicants shall submit a letter of motivation (no more than two pages) explaining how they would benefit from attending the seminar.

Key dates

Applications must be received by the ILAB Secretariat no later than 24 April 2026

The successful candidate will be chosen by the ILAB committee and will be informed after 8 May 2026.

The 2025 seminar takes place from 26 - 31 July 2026 on the campus of St. Olaf’s College in Minnesota..

Contact

Maria Lin, CABS-Minnesota Scholarship Coordinator: maria@rulon.com

Angelika Elstner, ILAB Secretariat: secretariat@ilab.org

ABOUT CABS-MINNESOTA & Antiquarian Book School Foundation (ABSF)

The Antiquarian Book School Foundation (ABSF) is an independent, non-profit, and tax-exempt educational institution focused on promoting, maintaining, and expanding the standards of the antiquarian book trade. CABS-Minnesota, which is administered by the ABSF, is an annual week-long intensive seminar for booksellers, prospective booksellers, and others with an interest in the antiquarian and second-hand book market.

Report from the 2024 scholarship winner on their week at CABS: https://ilab.org/article/how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-collation