About the Book & Paper Show

Twice a year book & paper enthusiasts of all kinds come together in Lansing to search through books, postcards, magazines, posters and more. If it’s on paper you’re likely to find it at the Michigan Antiquarian Book & Paper Show.

This massive hunt for hidden treasure is happening again on Sunday, March 29, at the Lansing Center in downtown Lansing. From 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 74 dealers from eight states will be offering for sale an incredible number of books and paper items in nearly every category.

At the show you will find first editions; unusual and out-of-print books; rare and miniature books; postcards; maps; advertising items; photos; old sports material; autographs; military items; ephemera; and more.

It’s a mind-boggling experience, as Bill Triola of Lansing said. “like walking through the Library of Congress ...” Unlike the Library of Congress, you have the opportunity (for anywhere from 50 cents to $5,000) to take a piece of that history home with you.

This stroll through history, for young and old alike, has some items dating back just a few years and some centuries. It is a wonderful opportunity for everyone from beginning collectors to die-hard history buffs.

Whether you’re seeking a book from childhood or a favorite poet, a historical map or a civil war newspaper, a 1950’s auto brochure or a classic movie poster – this is definitely the place to go.

Comments from attendees, some traveling hundreds of miles, include “Love coming to this show!” and it’s a “semi-annual ‘religious’ pilgrimage”.

Additional features include plenty of seating and live music, featuring Dan Kuczek on acoustic guitar. The Lansing Center supplies concessions, making it easy to spend all day there.

Admission is $4.50 per person; kids 13 and under get in for free.

Frequently asked questions

How can you tell if it’s a first edition?
It varies from book to book and publisher to publisher. It becomes complex. That’s part of the challenge. Sometimes there are minor typographical changes that are caught and corrected. The serious collector doesn’t want the fixed version, he or she wants the original. There are price guides that people use to determine the value.

What is ephemera?
Ephemera is a term used to embrace a wide range of minor, everyday documents, most intended for one-time
or short-term use, including trade cards, broadsides, posters, car brochures, tickets, bookmarks, photographs
– and the list goes on.

New exhibitors
Every show has a few new dealers. Here are some you likely haven’t seen before
(the numbers are thebooth numbers):

#14 - Jean & John Norman - Livonia, MI -Child, Lit, Milit, Cook, Ephem, Trade
#38 - DeWolfe & Wood - Alfred, ME - GS,Ephem, PC
#47 - Partners Book Distributing - Holt, MI -1sts
#54 - Castbooks - Lansing, MI - MI/Great Lakes,Milit, Lit
#55 - A. England, Books & Ephemera -Hillsdale, MI - GS, Sgnd Mys 1sts, Photo and Other Eclectic Ephemera
#61 - JRJ Company Presidential Memorabilia - Mason, MI - Books & Ephemera
#72 - Better World Books - Mishawaka, IN - GS, Sci/Mech, Hist, Art/Arch

What books will you find?
The “book” part includes antiquarian, rare, collectible and out-of-print volumes, presented by the best authorities in their fields.

- Children’s and nostalgia
- Literary and modern first editions
- Fine bindings, private press
- Michigan History and Americana
- Color plate and illustrated books
- Science and technology
- Art and music
- Natural history, hunting and fishing
- Civil War and military history
- Mystery and true crime
- Science fiction, fantasy and horror
- Sports
- Vintagepaperbacks

The “paper” part includes exceptional paper dealers with specialties in diverse categories.

- Postcards, trade cards
- Prints and maps
- Photographs and stereoviews
- Paper dolls, valentines
- Vintage advertising, labels, letterheads
- Historic documents, autographs
- Broadsides, newspapers and stock certificates
- Travel, war and movie posters
- Calendars and catalogs
- Magazines and pulps
- Automobile brochures
- Sports programs and tickets
- Railroad timetables

*There is no “early bird special.” Give yourself plenty of time. For more info, call 332-0112.

Tips for first-timers
- Make a list of what you have or what you’re looking for.
- You can pick up an exhibitor listing by subject and by booth number at the Information Booth.
- Compare prices, but don’t expect it to be there later. The time to buy a collectible book is when you see it!
- There are price guides, reference books and supplies for sale at the Information Booth.
- Some dealers may negotiate. You’ll have better luck if you’re polite and smile.
- If you’re looking for something and can’t find it, ask a dealer.

Security
- Bags must be stapled shut. Please be sure you have the receipt.
- If you have several packages, the Information Booth can consolidate them for you. They can also
check your packages.
- Bringing items for sale into the exhibitor hall is strongly discouraged. It’s better to make an
appointment with a dealer outside of the show.
- If you must bring something in, notify the security guard at the entrance and arrangements will be
made.

Door prizes
- Five door prizes ($20 gift certificates) are awarded throughout the day.
- The gift certificates may be used at the show.
- Forms are available at the Information Booth.

Show History
The show started in 1985 when a stamp and coin show at the armory on Washington Avenue had
extra space available.

Allen and Penny Crabtree of Eaton Rapids and Ray Walsh of East Lansing decided to add books to the show.

During the first year, there were only 30 exhibitors, but the show quickly became popular and expanded, first moving to the Lansing Civic Center and then to the Lansing Center.

Today, the show that started on a whim is one of the biggest of its kind in the United States and is the largest book and paper show in the Midwest.

It’s even been listed in the Wall Street Journal’s Futures and Options Column.