All eyes on Stockholm!

Sweden has a long tradition in antiquarian bookselling. Its national association Svenska Antikvariatföreningen (SVAF) and organiser of the fair, was established in 1936, and has belonged to the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers since its beginnings. Stockholm alone lists 14 antiquarian booksellers who are affiliated to the SVAF and therefore to ILAB.

Simon Ström, President of the Swedish Antiquarian Booksellers Association, writes ahead of this year's fair: "The Stockholm Book Fair is held in the beautiful venue of the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts in central Stockholm. Booksellers from all over Sweden, and a couple from abroad, offer their finest materials such as books, manuscripts, maps and prints from the Middle Ages to the present day. In addition to being able to see and buy fantastic books, the fair offers several interesting talks; this year, for example, on animals in medieval manuscripts and on Swedish dissertations. There will also be an exhibition showing one of the finest Swedish private collections relating to polar expeditions. In addition to a large number of booksellers, a number of bookbinders, publishers and associations are also exhibiting - making the Stockholm Book Fair the natural meeting place for everyone who is interested in the book as a physical object."

In 2023, the presidents of ILAB's international member associations had the pleasure to meet in Stockholm for the "ILAB Presidents Meeting". Besides the series of workshops and formal meetings, some outstanding collections and institutions welcomed the ILAB delegation.
We share some memories of visiting the Bernadotte and the Nobel Library below.

Bernadotte Library

The Bernadotte Library, one of Sweden's most beautiful libraries, is located in the Royal Palace in Stockholm and serves as the library of the royal family. It holds an extensive collection of more than 100,000 books acquired by the Bernadotte kings and queens over the centuries and reflects the literary and intellectual interests of Sweden's monarchs, with works on history, politics, science and the arts. Beyond its scholarly significance, the library's elegant setting adds to its cultural prestige, offering visitors a glimpse into Sweden's royal literary heritage. Although not regularly open to the public, special exhibitions and events occasionally provide access to this extraordinary collection.

Nobel Library

The Nobel Library, located in the Swedish Academy in Stockholm’s Old Town (Gamla Stan), is a distinguished research library specializing in literature from around the world. It holds an extensive collection of books, particularly works by and about Nobel Prize in Literature laureates, as well as a broad selection of fiction, poetry, and literary criticism in multiple languages. Serving as a key resource for members of the Swedish Academy, the library supports the selection process for the Nobel Prize in Literature. Each year, the highly anticipated announcement of the Nobel Prize in Literature takes place in the Swedish Academy’s headquarters at the Börshuset (Stock Exchange Building) in Stockholm, a historic venue that has long played an important role in Sweden’s literary and cultural life.

Besides exploring the book fair and visiting some of Stockholm's spectacular collections, the city is always worth a trip—vibrant, youthful, and rich in history, with Swedish hospitality that is renowned worldwide. Booksellers are always willing to open their shops and will take their time for visitors

To view a listing of all exhibitors and more information about the fair, please visit the website >> HERE