Main Library, First Floor: Exhibit case across from new fiction books

From ancient times, miniature books have been created from Babylon to China and throughout the world. They have been used in business, delighted royalty, used in propaganda, entertained travelers, challenged printers, binders, and artists, and have been collected by all kinds of people.

In 1983, Miriam Owen Irwin of Cincinnati, Ohio, invited Ian MacDonald, of Paisley, Scotland, and several other publishers to her family farm in Tipp City, Ohio. Soon other publishers and collectors asked to be included in the gathering. Out of this developed the Miniature Book Society.

In the years since 1983, membership has grown to nearly 300 people from 25 countries and 40 states. Conclaves and miniature book fairs are held every year in different cities around the world. The meeting this year is being held at the Taj Hotel on Arlington Street in Boston (the last Boston meeting was held 30 years ago). The book fair will be open to the public on Sunday afternoon, August 18th from 12 noon to 4 p.m. This is an opportunity to see the world of miniature books, to meet some of the publishers and artists, and to obtain miniature books.

The Society was incorporated in 1989 and became non-profit in 1990. Meetings have been held in Canada, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, and across the United States. The meeting next year will take place in the Netherlands. Stephen Byrne, from Scotland, is the first European to be elected president of the Society.

Two beautiful displays of miniature books travel throughout the United States and Europe each year and have been received with great delight by thousands of viewers. One of these displays will be on view at this library from July 8 through August 14.

For more information, go to: www.mbs.org