Libraries on the Brink: A topic at the Anarchist Book Fair
- by Bruce E. McKinney
"Libraries need to be more enticing"
Jeremy too believes libraries need to change. People only read one book a year so libraries should recognize that people go to libraries for many other purposes. Get away from privileged, elite services. Have longer hours. In two words: get competitive.
An unnamed contributor said "put more emphasis on public university libraries. Public libraries are more for children.
Roxane pointed out that libraries often don't have the newest material so she finds herself going to book stores to get it. She also likes the comfortable atmosphere in big book stores and doesn't find this in libraries. When I offered a summary of her views - "libraries need to be more enticing" she emphatically agreed.
Adam suggested library issues are part of the larger problems cities face. Apparently speaking of San Francisco he offered, "What do you expect when you live in a city that doesn't provide services" for people with problems?" He worked at a library in Santa Rosa and said they face the same unresolved social issues there.
Peter, to the question "how to make libraries more relevant" offered "get more anarchist books." But he also said he doesn't use libraries himself. I own the books I use. Libraries are great for journals and databases. As to whether he's optimistic or pessimistic he expressed concern.
Tom offered we should make sure we do not cheapen the texts. It's not so important to have every book. In the future we may need libraries more than we think we do today.
Danny. Libraries are trying to adapt. They understand the value of their services. He suggests local budgets and customer awareness are important factors in making libraries effective. He suggests there is a healthy dynamic between demanding patrons and libraries with sufficient budgets – together they can find a way to the future. But this also implies that libraries that lack either one or both factors may have trouble. "Libraries have to both take the lead and follow the lead of their patrons."
Kaya. Libraries need to promote themselves. They offer valuable validation but seem reluctant to speak about it.
Moira. Libraries should bring in more underground press, more non-mainstream material, the other viewpoints Howard Besser spoke about.
Matt. How do libraries get to the next generation? It's all about selecting the right material. Choose what people will want." He also offered, "I'm probably the only person here who also attended the ABAA fair."
Bonhams, Dec. 8-18: Autograph Letter Signed ("Martinus Luther") to His Friend the Theologian Gerhard Wiskamp ("Gerardo Xantho Lampadario"). $100,000 - $150,000.
Bonhams, Dec. 8-18: An Exceptionally Fine Copy of Austenís Emma: A Novel in Three Volumes. $40,000 - $60,000.
Bonhams, Dec. 8-18: Presentation Copy of Ernest Hemmingwayís A Farewell to Arms for Edward Titus of the Black Mankin Press. $30,000 - $50,000.
Bonhams, Dec. 8-18: Autograph Manuscript Signed Integrally for "The Songs of Pooh," by Alan Alexander. $30,000 - $50,000.
Bonhams, Dec. 8-18: Autograph Manuscript of "Three Fragments from Gˆtterd‰mmerung" by Richard Wagner. $30,000 - $50,000.
Bonhams, Dec. 8-18: Original Preliminary Artwork, for the First Edition of Snow Crash. $20,000 - $30,000.
Bonhams, Dec. 8-18: Autograph Letter Signed ("T.R. Malthus") to Economist Nassau Senior on Wealth, Labor and Adam Smith. $20,000 - $30,000.
Bonhams, Dec. 8-18: History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides Finely Bound by Michael Wilcox. $20,000 - $30,000.
Bonhams, Dec. 8-18: First Edition of Lewis and Clark: Travels to the Source of the Missouri River and Across the American Continent to the Pacific Ocean. $8,000 - $12,000.
Bonhams, Dec. 8-18: Original Artwork for the First Edition of Neal Stephenson's Groundbreaking Novel Snow Crash. $100,000 - $150,000.
Bonhams, Dec. 8-18: A Complete Set Signed Deluxe Editions of King's The Dark Tower Series by Stephen King. $8,000 - $12,000.
Bonhams, Dec. 8-18: Autograph Letter Signed ("John Adams") to James Le Ray de Chaumont During the Crucial Years of the Revolutionary War. $8,000 - $12,000.
Sotheby’s Book Week December 9-17, 2025
Sotheby’s, Dec. 12: Hooke, Robert. Micrographia: or some Physiological Descriptions of Minute Bodies made by Magnifying Glasses. London: James Allestry for the Royal Society, 1667. $12,000 to $15,000.
Sotheby’s, Dec. 12: Chappuzeau, Samuel. The history of jewels, first edition in English. London: T.N. for Hobart Kemp, 1671. $12,000 to $18,000.
Sotheby’s, Dec. 12: Sowerby, James. Exotic Mineralogy, containing his most realistic mineral depictions, London: Benjamin Meredith, 1811, Arding and Merrett, 1817. $5,000 to $7,000.
Heritage Auctions Rare Books Signature Auction December 15, 2025
Heritage, Dec. 15: John Donne. Poems, By J. D. With Elegies on the Author's Death. London: M[iles]. F[lesher]. for John Marriot, 1633.
Heritage, Dec. 15: Edgar Rice Burroughs. Tarzan of the Apes.
Heritage, Dec. 15: F. Scott Fitzgerald. Tender is the Night. A Romance.
Heritage, Dec. 15: Jerry Thomas. How to Mix Drinks, or the Bon-Vivant's Companion, Containing Clear and Reliable Directions for Mixing All the Beverages Used in the United States…
![<b>Heritage, Dec. 15:</b> John Donne. <i>Poems, By J. D. With Elegies on the Author's Death.</i> London: M[iles]. F[lesher]. for John Marriot, 1633.](https://ae-files.s3.amazonaws.com/AdvertisementPhotos/8caddaea-4c1f-47a7-9455-62f53af36e3f.jpg "<b>Heritage, Dec. 15:</b> John Donne. <i>Poems, By J. D. With Elegies on the Author's Death.</i> London: M[iles]. F[lesher]. for John Marriot, 1633.")
