Welcome to the Private Libraries Association 2026
"What is the use of a book" said Alice, "without pictures or conversation?"
There will always be pictures because there will always be words,
so let's start the conversation...
Now online: 'Fine Press Bibliography 2011-2026'
Libraries and books are mostly about paper and ink, but online publication counts too! Not least when new information and insight is constantly presenting itself. And so it is with Howard Kistler's 'Fine Press Bibliography 2011-2026', first published online on 14th August 2025, and now in version 6 of 10th June 2026. 170k words across nearly 400 pages, a magnificent achievement and lots more to come.
See the work: HERE
To investigate membership of the PLA, please go
HERE
STOP PRESS: YORK BOOK FAIR 2026
The 2026 YORK BOOK FAIR is at the York Racecourse (YO23 1EX) on 11th and 12th September.
There are 183 trade-stands of antiquarian and fine-press books, and Private Libraries Association will have a stand in its usual place just inside the main entrance. Please, do drop by and say 'hello', and of course discuss plans for the coming year.
The fair is open noon to 7pm on Friday 11th September 2026, and 10 to 5pm on Saturday 12th September 2026
PLA Council member, David Fry, says:
"The York Book Fair is the largest in Europe with dealers from across the globe presenting books on every topic."
PLA Secretary, Jim Maslen, adds:
"We'll have copies of all our books and journals, and look forward to having chatting recent purchases."
The PLA looks forward to seeing you in York
'Early Private Presses' by David Chambers
A Review that originally appeared in the Journal 'Parenthesis' (volume 50)
By David McKitterick
By kind permission of the Fine Press Book Association
Go
HERE
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2025 & 2026
The minutes of the 2025 AGM are available HERE (please note wrong year at head of minutes: it should be 2025)
The 2026 AGM, chaired by Bill Butler, took place via ZOOM on Wednesday 9th September 2026.
Secretary/treasurer Jim Maslen reported 'all well with the Association'.
Minutes will be available in due course.
OUR PRESIDENT
Please meet
Sebastian Carter,
who was elected at our agm in September 2025: HERE
Become a member of the Private Libraries Association today
This year, 2026, marks our 70th anniversary, as enthusiasm for all things Private Library Association continues to grow.
You are very welcome to become a member of the Private Libraries Association, and join this community of hundreds of individual and institutional enthusiasts for the book.
To help encourage anyone who loves books to join us, we keep the annual subscription to a modest £40 (UK rate). And for that, all members receive our well-respected quarterly journal, packed with interesting articles on all manner of subjects relating to books. Members also receive discounts on all our publications and a free, and beautifully printed and bound members' book every 2-3 years.
There is also the opportunity to come together at our occasional events, zoom lectures, and of course you can join in with the general conversation online with other members.
Students, and anyone under the age of 26, will receive membership at only £20.
Just click on the button below, and find out more...
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