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Friends Of The Antiquarian Booksellers' Association

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As a Friend of the ABA you can support the historic trade we all value so much.

We believe our trade's future is better when we work together, so our Friends initiative is open to private individuals and book trade professionals, whether you’re a collector, librarian, binder, printer or illustrator. If you work with our members or have a passion for books, it’s a great way to support, learn from or help promote the rare book trade.

Benefits to joining include:

  • Complimentary preview tickets to book fairs
  • Invitation to ABA events and functions (such as the Christmas party and Educational Trust dinners)
  • Exclusive access behind-the-scenes tours of world-famous libraries and archives, such as the Bodleian Library and Lambeth Palace Library
  • The ABA e-newsletter
  • Advance notice of the Annual Conference on Book Trade History
  • Exclusive Friends of the ABA badge

The ABA is a not-for-profit organisation. Becoming a Friend helps support:

REGISTER AS A FRIEND NOW >

Standards and Security

Offering peace of mind to collectors, librarians, and dealers by upholding standards in descriptions and practice in the book trade.

The Educational Trust

Provides educational opportunities in the world of rare books.

The Benevolent Fund

A charity which provides assistance for members of the trade in times of need.

See the full list of the work of the ABA here.

The 2024 annual subscription is £75 per person (inclusive of VAT)

You can register as a Friend in just a few minutes using our online form:

Friends of the ABA Gift Membership

We are delighted to present the Friends of the ABA Gift Membership.

A Gift Membership to the Friends of the ABA includes:

  • A Welcome Pack with Thomas Fattorini Ltd. enamel Friends of the ABA pin badge and membership card
  • Exclusive access behind-the-scenes tours of world-famous libraries and archives, such as the Bodleian Library and Lambeth Palace Library
  • Extra content through the ABA e-newsletter
  • Complimentary tickets to ABA fairs and events
  • An invitation to the ABA Christmas party

A Gift Membership to the Friends of the ABA is £75 per person and lasts 12 months. Upon renewal, you as the member are welcome to renew on behalf of the gift recipient or pass the responsibility onto the Friend.

To purchase a Gift Membership, please contact secretary@aba.org.uk.