The sad but generally expected cancellation of the ILAB Congress in Amsterdam was announced yesterday, along with similar news for the book fair that would have accompanied it. That news was followed today by cancellation of the September York fair, Europe’s largest.
The status of other future book fairs, or at least those scheduled for sometime in 2020, is now an open question.
The most notable response, so far, has been a quick scheduling of the alternative online events now generally referred to as “virtual” book fairs. At least a couple of these have already taken place and another 3 that we know of are planned for the next three weeks.
Everyone is hopeful that these virtual fairs will find enough real buyers to help sustain booksellers and collectors until they are ready to emerge from lock down. If you are interested in doing a bit of virtual book hunting we list below 3 events already on out calendar. If there are others you know of please let me know.
- May 29, Noon to 5 GST – May Online Book Fair (PBFA)
- June 4-7 , 10 am EST – Virtual Book Fair (ABAA)
- June 5, 2 pm to 11 pm – ABA, (in place of cancelled London Firsts Fair)