New York Antiquarian Book Fair Preview Benefits The New York Public Library

A Celebration of Literature, from Aristotle to Harry Potter, April 28 at The Park Avenue Armory

April 11, 2005, New York, NY -- Supporters of The New York Public Library and all New Yorkers passionate about literature will get an advance look at an extraordinary variety of rare books at a benefit preview of the upcoming New York Antiquarian Book Fair. First editions inscribed by James Joyce, Antoine de Saint-Exupery, and Ernest Hemingway, as well as letters on love and war, maps of great nations, original manuscripts and other unique materials will be on view at the event, the single largest and most prestigious gathering of international rare booksellers. The preview will be held Thursday, April 28 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Park Avenue Armory, Park Avenue and 67th Street. Information about purchasing tickets is available at 212-930-0730.

Spearheading the event on behalf of the Library are Co-Chairs Lea Carpenter and Thomas Jayne. Proceeds from this year's Preview Party will benefit The New York Public Library's Research Libraries, which include the Humanities and Social Sciences Library at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and the Science, Industry and Business Library. Benefactor tickets, at $250, provide: the opportunity to preview the show over cocktails from 5 to 9 p.m., a pass of admission for the run of the show, and a special highlights tour at 6 p.m. Patron tickets, at $150, include the preview from 5 to 9 p.m. and a run-of-the-show pass. Friend tickets, at $100, provide the chance to preview the show from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

The 45th New York Antiquarian Book Fair sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America returns this April to the Park Avenue Armory under the management of Sanford L. Smith & Associates. The fair includes 186 international dealers from the United States, Japan, Germany, Canada, Switzerland, Argentina, The Netherlands, France, England, Italy, and Belgium. This year's event marks the start of an ongoing relationship between the Library and the Antiquarian Book Fair to join in creating an event all book lovers in the city will make sure not to miss. The show is on view to the general public from April 29 through May 1.

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Contact: Herb Scher, 212-221-7676