Fine Book Fairs – Empire State Rare Book and Print Fair
October 5-7th Fri: 11am – 6pm 15$ Sat: 11am – 5pm 15$, Free after 3pm
St. Bartholomew’s 51st and Park Ave NYC
finefairs.com

NEW YORK CITY — The Empire State Rare Book and Print Fair, featuring more than 50 exhibitors from across the United States, will take over St Bartholomew’s Church (St Bart’s) at 325 Park Avenue in New York City, beginning Thursday, October 5, through Saturday, October 7.

This fair will showcase tens of thousands of rare books, prints, works on paper and ephemera from around the globe. Examples that will be offered include the original artwork for the cover of the children’s classic Charlotte’s Web ($400,000), a first printing of Harry Potter (1 of 500) for $225,000, a first British edition of The Great Gatsby in its iconic jacket ($125,000) and a first edition Galileo from 1635, which was banned in Italy ($100,000).

On Thursday, the fair kicks off with a preview party featuring wine, hors d’oeuvres, live music and a preview of the exhibitors’ treasures from 4:30 to 8:30 pm. Ryan Miller, the lead singer of the band Guster, will perform his hit “Empire State” live, accompanied by New York Philharmonic harpsichordist Paolo Bourdigon, the associate director of music at St Bart’s.

Eve and Edward Lemon founded Fine Books Fairs in 2022, creating fun, affordable and welcoming fairs that instill the joy of books in a new generation of collectors. The couple, who are in their 30s, are respected collectors and experts in the field and host five fairs throughout the year.

“As a Millennial couple, we wanted to breathe new life into the world of book collecting by making it fun, inviting, accessible and entertaining,” said Eve Lemon. “While technology reigns supreme, there is a growing population of younger enthusiasts who have discovered a passion for books and collecting. Our fairs allow people to not only explore their passion for books, but also enjoy the entire experience.”

Admission is free on Saturday, from 3 to 5 pm, and patrons may bring in their own books for a complimentary appraisal service by a leading expert. General admission on Friday and Saturday is $15, $10 for students, and free for those under 16 years of age. Tickets to the preview party are $125 and $225 for the VIP reception and include admission to the fair. Tickets to an intimate and private VIP reception, dinner and a conversation with Hugo Vickers, biographer, lecturer broadcaster and expert on the Royal Family at Lotos Club are $375.

A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Benevolent Fund, which is dedicated to providing timely financial assistance to those in the book trade who find themselves in a time of need.

For additional information, www.finefairs.com or 212-987-6804.

THUR: 4:30PM – 8:30PM PREVIEW NIGHT (INCLUDES WINE, CANAPES AND LIVE MUSI C) $125
FRI: 11AM – 6PM ADMISSION: $15
SAT: 11AM – 5PM ADMISSION: $15, OR FREE 3-5PM
STUDENT ADMISSION: $10
UNDER 16s ENTER FOR FREE
ST BARTHOLOMEW’S 51ST AND PARK AVENUE
FOR MORE INFO VISIT FINEFAIRS.COM