So Samm! This is (a bit confusingly) your second Sacramento Antiquarian Book Fair. Could you tell us a bit about your experience, prep and overall impression of the previous Sacramento fair you attended in March of this year? For those of you that don’t know, Samm was brought onboard the Tavistock Books train (what seemed like) mere minutes before this past spring’s Sacramento Book Fair.
Last Sac Book Fair was quite overwhelming for the first hour of set up. As I was loading in, taking in the surroundings and meeting everyone Vic brought to me saying “This is my new assistant Samm! Samm this is ….”. All at the same time! Lots of info and names. But after about an hour of watching other vendors set up booths I was beginning to get a feel for it and settle down a bit. As for the opening of book fair to the public, that was the more easier part as I have done so much book retail in the past, but these were people with more niche interests rather than what I have known of “I’m just looking for a good beach read”.
How was this last weekend’s fair different from the fair in March for you? Do you feel more at ease with Tavistock’s wares and in the antiquarian book world in general? We know you come from a book background, but we also know that the antiquarian book world is a horse of an entirely different color!
I thought this past weekend was much easier! I knew where the booth was, I knew our booth mate (Hey Chris!). The faces of collectors and vendors were more familiar. I knew where the bathroom was and when was the best time to order food was! Ha! Because I knew vendors a bit more, and they have now seen me, emailed with or talked on the phone with me I was more comfortable making small talk at their booths. Surprisingly to some, but I am pretty shy!
As for the wares of Tavistock, yes much more at ease! And more comfortable discussing product and assisting collectors find items that may interest them. Knowing the stock is always good, which was not the case last fair!
How did you find turnout and other sellers’ wares? Did any items of note catch your eye?
I only have the last Sacramento Book to compare, but I did think the turn out grander. At the end of the fair Jim Kay got on the mic and said it was the best fair turnout yet – a new record had been set! So shoutout to Jim for doing an awesome job. Perhaps by March 2019 I will have my name tag! *wink wink*
Vic bought a lot of cool items there, more than last year even! (Didn’t think it was possible, but that just shows how much I know.) You can see them when you sign up for our New Acquisitions Newsletter! (Yes, that is a plug… and yes, you can sign up for it on our website!) As for me, there were a few items that were of interest, though I am not in the position to spend the big bucks on them yet. However, I made many mental notes!
What will be the next fair you are excited about and what do you hope to learn or accomplish before then?
Oakland! I am very, very excited about the Oakland Book Fair in February. Just seeing all the amazing items at Sacramento, I cannot wait to see what an international fair brings! Also, being local means packing and load in won’t be too bad.
I am trying to have a better grasp on our stock so I select the most interesting items to bring that will also show Tavistock’s interest best!
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We certainly won’t! Thanks, Samm!
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