Rare Book Show To Take Over Midtown Church Thursday

MIDTOWN, NY — A new rare book fair is coming to a Park Avenue church in Midtown this week.

Starting Thursday, the The Empire State Rare Book and Print Fair will bring over 50 exhibitors from across the country to St. Bartholomew’s Church at 325 Park Avenue.

The fair, which runs until Sunday, will showcase tens of thousands of beautiful and rare books, prints and other ephemera from around the world.

Some highlights include the original artwork for the cover of the children’s classic Charlotte’s Webb by E.B. White , priced at $400,000, a first printing of Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling (1 of 500) for $225,000, a first British edition of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald in its iconic jacket for $125,000, and a first edition Galileo by Galileo Galilei from 1635, which was banned in Italy for $100,000.

Things kick off on Thursday with a preview party — tickets range between $125-$225 — and will feature wine, hors d’oeuvres and music by Ryan Miller, the lead singer of the band Guster, who will perform his hit Empire State live accompanied by New York Philharmonic harpsichordist Paolo Bourdigon, the Associate Director of Music at St. Bart’s.

But don't let those high prices scare you — this isn't your grandpa's book fair.

At least that's the hope of Eve and Edward Lemon, who started Fine Books Fairs in 2022, the group behind The Empire State Rare Book and Print Fair, as well as several others held throughout the year.

The 30-something couple wants to inspire a new generation of collectors by making affordable and fun fairs that are accessible for newcomers, or for the simply curious.

Bookworms will be able to find things at the fair that can fit any budget, the group says.

“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. “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.”

Admissions is free on Saturday between 3-5 p.m., and is an affordable $15 on Friday and Saturday.

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 more information and tickets, click here.