Antiquarian Book Fair Week at the Clark

Save the Date: February 23 – 25, 2027

In anticipation of the 2027 California International Antiquarian Book Fair, taking place in downtown Los Angeles from February 26 – 28, the UCLA William Andrews Clark Memorial Library invites you to three days of special programming exploring rare books, literary history, and the world of book collecting.

Join collectors, booksellers, librarians, and scholars for conversations about the antiquarian book trade, the personal libraries of celebrated authors, and the pleasures of building a collection.

All events are free and open to the public. Registration and additional program details will be announced soon.

Tuesday, February 23, 2027 | 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Librarians as Booksellers
Panel Discussion

What does it take to become an antiquarian bookseller? Join Jennifer Johnson, Jesse Rossa, Emmett Shoemaker, and additional guests for a conversation about careers in the rare book trade, the relationship between librarianship and bookselling, and the different paths into the profession.

Of particular interest to students considering careers in rare books and special collections, this program is open to anyone curious about antiquarian bookselling.

Wednesday, February 24, 2027 | 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Reading and Writing: On Historic Authors’ Libraries and the Collectors Who Collect Them
Panel Discussion and Exhibition Opening

What can an author’s personal library reveal about their life, work, and intellectual world? Join Paul Chrzanowski, Rebecca Romney, and Nicholas Frankel for a conversation exploring the libraries of William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and Oscar Wilde, and the collectors who seek out their works.

The program also marks the opening of a related exhibition at the Clark featuring books and other materials that might have been found in the personal libraries of these three authors.

Thursday, February 25, 2027 | 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.

21st-Century Book Collecting
Lecture by Spencer W Stuart

How does a book collection begin, and what does it mean to collect books today? Antiquarian book specialist Spencer W Stuart explores the pleasures and practical considerations of building a personal collection, from identifying an area of interest to developing a collection over time.

A lecture begins at 4:00 p.m., followed by a reception from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

All events will be held in person at the Clark Library. Capacity is limited and advance registration is required. Registration and additional program details will be announced soon.

Image: The Book of English Trades, and Library of the Useful Arts. A new edition, enlarged, with 500 questions for the exercise of students. London : Printed for G. and W.B. Whittaker, 1824. Call number *T47.B72 1824