The annual Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association (PBFA) Book Fair will take place at the King's Hall and Winter Garden today and tomorrow, Friday 28th July and Saturday 29th July.
As always entry to the event is free of charge and doors open from 12 noon till 6 pm on Friday and again from 10 till 4 pm on Saturday. About 40 dealers from all over the country will be exhibiting bringing antiquarian, collectible and out of print books, ephemera and related items for sale.
Organiser Louise Harrison said: "The Book Fair has been running here in Ilkley since the 1970's' says Louise Harrison (Fair manager) 'and is popular with local and visiting collectors and lovers of books who have the opportunity to browse among a huge variety of tempting items from the Brontes to Enid Blyton and from Local and Industrial History to Architecture and Aeronautics.. maps, prints, pamphlets and postcards there really is something for everyone and to suit all pockets.
"This year the event has been sponsored by local independent book shop The Grove Bookshop and by Howgill Estates (who have planted many thousand of trees locally). It is wonderful to have the continued support from The Grove Bookshop who help to advertise the event to book lovers and contribute towards our printing costs - we are lucky to have such a great local bookshop in the town with a great range of new books. We will also have information regarding opportunities to support the planting of trees and wild meadows through local organisation The Yorkshire Dales Millenium Trust. YDMT have worked alongside Howgill Estates (our second sponsor) planting thousands of trees on land a few miles from Ilkley and now forming significant new woodland over the past ten years.
"Visitors to the book fair will find thousands of books that are now out of print, or indeed older and original editions of well loved classics as well as materials providing insight to past events both locally and beyond. Each of the visiting exhibitors bring a different selection of stock, some covering a very specific area of interest such as Modern First Editions, Detective Fiction, Natural History, Transport, Fine Bindings to name but a few but many will bring a selection of items thus providing an enormous range of interest.
"Over the years I have spoken to so many visitors to the event who have found books they have been tracking down for years or have found the perfect present for someone or an item that has added to their family history and everyone enjoys a good treasure hunt!' The Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association run fairs throughout the country during the year, the Ilkley Book Fair is one of the longest running of these, this years exhibitors include one of the founding members of the Association alongside three members attending their first Pbfa event.
"We are delighted to welcome new dealers to the event as well as old friends who have supported the fair for many years, in the same way we hope that as well as customers who return every year that those members of the public who have never visited an event like this will come to this historic and much loved venue in Ilkley to browse among the fascinating items on display. Come and browse, chat with the dealers, admire the building and perhaps enjoy a sit down and bite to eat in the cafe... and above all find a little treasure to take home with you'
The Book Fair is a long running annual event in the Kings' Halls programme adding to Ilkley's many attractions this Summer and can be enjoyed by all come rain or shine. Louise adds: "why not come along and see what it is all about entry is free and items on sale range from just a pound or two."