This morning, the ABAA leadership learned that Greg Priore, former Carnegie Library Archivist, and former ABAA member John Schulman of Caliban Books, have been charged with theft from the library. This is a truly regrettable situation for the larger book community, and one in which the Association shares the public's dismay that such a theft took place. At this point in time, to comment further would be premature, as we support the legal process currently being pursued and will await its outcome. During this period we will continue to closely monitor the developments concerning this serious matter. Sincerely, Vic Zoschak President, ABAA [more ABAA Statement regarding Carnegie Library Thefts]

The ABAA has received a preliminary report of a theft of French literature from a private residence in Hamden, CT within the last two weeks. Here are the details of the missing materials thus far: Finely bound sets of Victor Hugo, Jules Verne, other authors include Gide, Camus, Baudelaire, Balzac. Most in fine bindings, or illustrated and fine press editions. Books were originally purchased in France, some would have prices pencilled in Euros or Francs. Approximately 300-500 volumes missing, presumably stolen, sometime in the last 2 weeks. If you have any information about this or have been offered these books, please contact: Detective Don Remillard Major Crimes Unit Hamden Police Department 203-230-4052 dremillard@hamdenpd.com [more Missing from Hamden, CT: French Literature]

On March 11th, the ABAA Women's Initiative hosted a panel discussion on Collecting and Women during the New York Antiquarian Book Fair at the Park Avenue Armory. Elizabeth Denlinger, Sarah Gordon, and Molly Schwartzburg discussed topics relating to representations of women in collections, women as collectors, and women-focused institutions as Nina Musinsky moderated. More than 100 men and women booksellers, librarians, and enthusiasts attended. If you missed it, we have a recording below. Since 2016, we have held networking receptions for women in conjunction with book fairs, and honored Carol Sandberg — a longtime bookseller who has championed women in the trade. This panel is our first foray into programming and we are thrilled to have so many of you here. Please do leave your business cards or add your name to our mailing list so we ... [more Women’s Initiative Hosts Panel on Collecting and Women]

You've no doubt heard the great news that Assembly Bill 228 has been introduced by California State Assembly Members Gloria and Chiu. If passed, this bill will provide significant relief from the most troubling and onerous provisions of AB 1570, California's new autograph law. The ABAA, IOBA, PBA Galleries, and The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, The Manuscript Society, The Ephemera Society, The Professional Autograph Dealers Association, Horror Writers Association, The Grolier Club, Biblio and The Easton Press have formally expressed support for this pending legislation in the linked letters. The legislative process is long and complicated. Bills pass through policy committees in each house of the legislature and the process takes many months. What this bill needs to help ensure that it becomes law is your support. We encourage members an... [more Assembly Bill 228 Introduced to Address Consequences of California Autograph Law]

I'm thrilled to announce the winners of this year's National Collegiate Book Collecting Contest: 1st Place: Luke Kelly. Harvard Unversity. “A Collection of Eugene Walter, King of the Monkeys” 2nd Place: Megan Jones. University of Kansas. "The Life and Times of Sacco and Vanzetti" 3rd Place: Micaela Beigel. Goucher College. “Once We Were Dreamers: A Collection of Jewish Resistance During the Holocaust” Essay award: Samantha Flitter. Princeton University. “The Sand and the Sea: An Age of Sail Library in Rural New Mexico” The judges were impressed with the stories and thought that went into assembling these collections and wish to thank all who participated. The Awards Ceremony will take place at the Library of Congress on October 14th at 5:30pm. Our featured speaker is Toni Tipton-Martin. The event is free and open to public. Th... [more 2016 National Collegiate Book Collecting Contest Winners Announced]

Longtime Bay-area member Barney Rosenthal recently turned 94! (He was still buying and selling books up until very recently, too.) Here's the lovely card signed by his colleagues. Happy birthday, Barney! [more Barney Rosenthal Turns 94]

This item is still missing as of 6/13/2019. Missing in transit to Spain: WERNER, Abraham Gottlob. Von den Ausserlichen Kennzeichen der Fossilien. Leipzig: Siegfried Lebrecht, 1774. 8vo. With 8 folding plates. Contemporary half-calf over boards. Please contact Howard Rootenberg at blroot@rootenbergbooks.com if offered. [more Missing in transit to Spain: Von den Ausserlichen Kennzeichen der Fossilie]

Private company in Westport, Connecticut seeks a researcher with exceptional organizational skills for small, friendly, fast-paced office that specializes in historical documents, books, and artifacts. Auction expertise a plus. Must be able to work quickly and accurately in cooperation with other staff members in a variety of roles. Excellent written and verbal communication skills a must. Responsibilities include research of new acquisitions for database and website, coordination of in-house auctions, representation at prestigious shows and exhibitions. Proficiency in computer databases, internet, and social media skills are necessary. Bachelor's degree plus three years' experience. Salary range: $40,000-$60,000 yearly. Please send resume to: Loraine@universityarchives.com. [more Job Posting: Historical Documents Dealer in Westport, CT Seeks Researcher with 3+ Years’ Experience]

Since 1975 the William Reese Company has served a large international clientele of collectors and private and public institutions in the acquisition of rare books and manuscripts and in collection development. With a catalogue inventory of over forty thousand items and a general inventory of over sixty-five thousand items, we are among the leading specialists in the fields of Americana and world travel, and maintain a large and eclectic inventory of literary first editions and antiquarian books of the 18th through 21st centuries. Our offices are located in downtown New Haven, Connecticut and are open by appointment only. The William Reese Company is seeking to add a new team member to its Americana Department. This person needs to be detail oriented, personable and outgoing, and willing and able to lift reasonably large boxes of books. A ... [more Job Posting: William Reese Co. Seeks Rare Book Cataloguer in Americana Department]

The Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America (ABAA) is delighted to announce the winners of the 2024 National Collegiate Book Collecting Contest: First Prize Amanda Zhao (Georgetown University) for "War's Little People". Zhao's sponsor notes he was particularly impressed with her focus on exploring WWII history with an eye towards the effects of the war civilians and an ultimate the goal of expanding her own knowledge and writing a novel. Second Prize Dennis Schäfer (Princeton University) for "Charting the Visual Universes of E.T.A. Hoffmann Illustrators". Shäfer's interest in Hoffman was initially academic in nature, but this soon blossomed into a passion after he received a beautifully illustrated edition of Hoffmann's The Golden Pot upon joining the E.T.A.-Hoffmann-Society. The awards celebration will be held at the Library of... [more NCBCC 2024 Winners]