The ABAA New York International Antiquarian Book Fair Celebrates 66 Years of Literary Treasures

The ABAA New York International Antiquarian Book Fair (NYIABF) - officially sanctioned by Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America (ABAA) and the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB) and produced and managed by Sanford L. Smith + Associates - is set to return to the iconic Park Avenue Armory in New York City from April 30-May 3, 2026, celebrating its 66th Edition.

The ABAA New York International Antiquarian Book Fair (NYIABF) stands as one of New York’s cultural cornerstones, returning to the city as a must-see event of the Spring season. Known as the world’s premier antiquarian book fair, this year’s edition will showcase more than 170 leading exhibitors from across the globe, further cementing its status as an internationally renowned event. With its unique blend of history, literature, and art, the fair attracts a diverse mix of collectors, from seasoned bibliophiles and literary icons to new enthusiasts and young collectors eager to discover rare and accessible treasures. Prices for items at the fair range from modest finds starting at $50 to multimillion-dollar rarities.

The 66th edition of the NYIABF will offer an impressive range of collectibles across various disciplines, including art, science, medicine, literature, history, gastronomy, fashion, first editions, Americana, philosophy, children’s books, and much more. Whether you’re drawn to religious texts, historical manuscripts, groundbreaking scientific works, or rare illustrated editions, the fair’s selection spans every conceivable subject and genre, representing the full breadth of human knowledge and culture.

The fair welcomes a dynamic mix of exhibitors, with both new and returning dealers bringing fresh perspectives and exciting offerings. New participants include notable booksellers such as Black Swan Books, Marshall Kibbey Rare Books, Midway Rare Books, Reagan’s Rare Books, Sammy B. Berk New World Cartographic, The Joe Fay Company, The Rare Books Sleuth, Walnut Street Paper, William Allison Books, and Zephyr Used & Rare Books.

In celebration of its 66th edition, NYIABF continues to expand its Ambassador Program, welcoming a diverse group of passionate collectors, influencers, and industry leaders for the third year in a row. Representing fields ranging from rare books and ephemera to jewelry, watches, and design, the program invites individuals committed to celebrating the world of antiquarian books and collectibles to help promote and elevate the fair’s legacy. Ambassadors play an essential role in engaging new audiences and raising awareness among collectors, curators, and enthusiasts alike.

This year’s Ambassadors include Alexandre Assouline, Sarah Bonet, Isabella Boylston, Adam Eli, Meredith Graves, Levi Higgs, Connor Holloway, Sarah Hoover, Camille Okhio, Karah Preiss, and Emma Roberts.

The NYIABF will present a curated series of talks and conversations taking place on Saturday, May 2. While the full schedule will be announced closer to the fair, one confirmed highlight includes a Belletrist and AIR MAIL–hosted panel exploring the mythology and legacy of bygone literary Los Angeles, with a focus on figures such as Eve Babitz and Joan Didion. The conversation will bring together Lili Anolik (AIR MAIL contributor and leading Babitz scholar), Karah Preiss and Emma Roberts of Belletrist, and author Stephanie Danler (Sweetbitter), and will be moderated by Julia Sherman. Timed to coincide with the forthcoming publication of Eve Babitz’s letters, annotated by Anolik and published by New York Review Books on May 12, the panel underscores the fair’s commitment to placing rare books and literary history in dynamic, contemporary dialogue.

In its 66th edition, the NYIABF continues to uphold the distinguished tradition of showcasing exceptional material from both American and international antiquarian booksellers. A full list of exhibitors can be found here.

Location: Park Avenue Armory, 643 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10065. www.armoryonpark.org.

Preview: $75 (Includes one re-admission), Run of show $75, single day admission $32. Students $10 with valid ID (at the door only).

About Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America (ABAA)

The organization maintains the highest standards in the trade and requires that members abide by the ABAA's Code of Ethics. It currently has more than 425 bookseller members throughout the U.S. who specialize in collectible and rare books, illuminated manuscripts, historical documents, autographs, maps, ephemera, and more.

About International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB)

Established in 1949, the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB) is a global network of 22 national antiquarian booksellers' associations, representing over 1600 affiliated rare booksellers based in 39 countries worldwide. ILAB affiliated busi-nesses share a worldwide reputation for high quality, knowledge, expertise, and experi-ence and adhere to ILAB's Code of Usages and Customs. All exhibitors at an ILAB-sanc-tioned fair are affiliated to the League. ILAB strives to uphold and improve professional standards in the trade, to promote honorable conduct in business, and to contribute in various ways to a broader appreciation of the history and art of the book. ILAB, whose official languages are English and French, is a registered Company Limited by Guarantee in the United Kingdom.

About Sanford L. Smith + Associates

For over 40 years, SLSA has been producing world-class fine and decorative art fairs and book fairs. SLSA's current portfolio includes renowned events such as Salon Art + Design, ABAA New York International Antiquarian Book Fair, The ADAA Fair, ESA Ephemera Fair, and more. In 2024, after the retirement and passing of its founder, Sanford L. Smith, SLSA’s leadership mantle was passed to partners, Jennifer Stark (President & CEO), Nicky Dessources (Vice President & Executive Director of Salon), and Jill Bokor (Chair-woman Emeritus), who will see the company and brands it represents into the future. They look forward to continuing Sanford Smith’s legacy and taking the company into new and exciting territory in the coming years.