Soon you can see yourself here!

Soon book and collectible paper dealers worldwide will be organizing their material and scheduling staff for the New York book fair at the Armory on Madison Avenue. In the world of collectible paper this is where power meets power. This is where the greatest dealers, the greatest collectors and curators from the greatest institutions meet. This year’s 4-day event opens on April 30 and ends on May 3rd.

This year, its 66th, 170 exhibitors are scheduled to participate. They will be a diverse group. One hundred and six dealers from the United States, 30+ from the United Kingdom, 17 from France, and 16 from the balance of the globe altogether comprise the greatest concentration of important dealers both this year and every year. The New York fair is the field’s flagship event.

The chemistry of the fair is complex. The booth rentals are always going up while the market is experiencing a slow shift from marque material to less expensive maps and ephemera that takes quite a lot of space and generally commands much lower prices. The folks who arrive by limos will certainly be very well serviced but the emerging next generation of collectors who start with inexpensive purchases, need to come home with some victories too. The ABAA tries very hard to cater to both audiences. They do provide a $10 student admission.

Nearby, over Saturday, the 2nd, the Manhattan Fine Press Book Fair functions as an unofficial extension of the ABAA fair. This fair focuses on “the book as art” and is always popular and attracts rafts of less expensive material.

Some New York dealers offer special exhibitions and open houses. There you can see a significant portion of their holdings. Both James Cummins Bookseller and Bauman Rare Books are open throughout the weekend.

If you have the time before the fair opens, The Other Islands Book Fair, on April 25-26 at the Pfizer Building in Brooklyn will offer the “indie” alternative encouraging zines, local publishers and experimental artists.

If you’re feeling revolutionary, Printed Matter (Chelsea/St. Marks), is planning an exhibition of protest photography called as Flashpoint! Running through May 3rd.

The Main Event: 66th ABAA NY International Antiquarian Book Fair

This is the "anchor" of the weekend, held in the historic and cavernous Park Avenue Armory.    

• Address: Park Avenue Armory, 643 Park Avenue (between 66th & 67th Streets), New York, NY 10065.    
• Days & Hours:
  • Thursday, April 30: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Preview Night)
  • Friday, May 1: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 2: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, May 3: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The Primary Shadow Fair: Manhattan Rare Book & Fine Press Fair

Located literally across the street from the Armory, this is the most common "second stop" for collectors. It is a one-day-only event.    

• Address: Church of St. Vincent Ferrer, 869 Lexington Avenue (at 66th Street), New York, NY 10065.    
• Day & Hours:
  • Saturday, May 2: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.    

The Indie Satellite: Other Islands Book Fair

This event takes place the weekend prior to the main ABAA fair, making it a great "prelude" if your story covers the lead-up to the big show. It focuses on independent publishing and art books.    

• Address: Pfizer Building, 630 Flushing Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11206.    
• Days & Hours:
  • Saturday, April 25: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.    
• Sunday, April 26: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.