ILAB Congress 2028: Welcoming the International Rare Book Trade to Africa

In its nearly 80-year history, ILAB Congresses have taken members to many countries and introduced them to remarkable libraries, collections and traditions of book collecting. Yet Africa has never previously hosted a Congress. The gathering in Cape Town will therefore mark an important new chapter in ILAB's history and offer an opportunity to discover the continent's rich and often less familiar bibliographical heritage.

An ILAB Congress in Cape Town

Situated at the southern tip of Africa, Cape Town has been a meeting place of cultures, languages and trading routes for centuries.

From the late fifteenth century, Portuguese voyages around the Cape opened maritime connections between Europe and Asia. The establishment of a Dutch East India Company settlement at Table Bay in 1652 further strengthened these connections, while subsequent British colonial rule added another dimension to the region's history.

Books, manuscripts, maps, navigational instruments and travel accounts accompanied these movements of people and goods. Over time, they became part of a remarkable written record of exploration, trade, scientific discovery and cultural exchange.

South Africa's later history, mainly decades of apartheid and the development of a modern democracy, has produced an equally significant documentary heritage. Its libraries and archives preserve extraordinary evidence of this political change and intellectual life.

Visiting South African Collections

One of the ambitions of the Cape Town Congress is to introduce participants to collections and institutions that are not necessarily familiar to the international antiquarian book trade.

South Africa holds important collections of rare books, manuscripts, archives, historical photographs and primary sources relating to the country's complex past. Attention will also be given to material documenting the anti-apartheid movement and the transition to democracy. Access to some collections is normally limited, and the organisers are already developing contacts with institutions and collection holders to arrange visits and encounters specifically for Congress participants.

As with previous ILAB Congresses, the programme will combine opportunities for professional exchange with visits that offer a deeper understanding of the host country's cultural and historical heritage.

An Optional Visit to Johannesburg

For participants wishing to extend their bibliographical journey, a separate optional visit to Johannesburg is being planned. The Johannesburg visit will be organised separately from the Cape Town Congress, with its own registration arrangements.

Cape Town beyond the Books

Cape Town is one of Africa's most distinctive destinations, combining dramatic landscapes with a vibrant cultural life, outstanding food and wine, and a fascinating architectural and historical heritage.
Table Mountain, the Atlantic coastline, the Cape Winelands and the city's many museums and cultural institutions offer visitors a wide range of experiences beyond the formal Congress programme.
Participants travelling from overseas may wish to extend their visit to explore more of southern Africa. Possibilities include safaris in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe or Namibia or visits to the wider Cape Town region: the Cape Winelands, golf holidays, whale-watching or the Karoo desert.

ILAB is currently exploring opportunities to connect participants with experienced travel specialists who can assist with individual arrangements before or after the Congress.

Save the Date: 19 – 23 September 2028

The Congress will bring together professional meetings, excursions, opportunities to discover South African collections and social events celebrating the international antiquarian book trade.
Although South Africa does not currently have a national ILAB-affiliated association, the Congress is being organised by ILAB with the involvement of booksellers based in South Africa, who look forward to welcoming their international colleagues.

Further information about the programme, accommodation and registration will be announced as preparations progress.

After almost 80 years of ILAB Congresses around the world, it is time for Africa. We look forward to welcoming you to Cape Town in September 2028.