"I believe all new booksellers should have such a resource"

Liam, for all those who don't know you yet, could you please introduce yourself a little? Where are you based and what do you deal in?

We are based in Ottawa, Ontario in the capital city of Canada. We specialize in books on the Arctic, and early books about Canada, and early North American history.

Your father, Patrick, set up the shop (and as we heard, he is still actively cataloguing books in the early hours of the morning). How has the business evolved over time? What does it mean to take over as a 2nd generation bookseller?

My father started the business in 1969, and tells stories of a different era, before credit cards, online bookselling, and a time when institutions were competitively trying to buy books. Much has changed, but ultimately good books still sell.

How would you describe the rare book trade in Canada today?

For a country of only about 41 million people, I’d say it’s reasonably stable. There is little to no government support for antiquarian books in Canada. Our National Library seemingly has no budget for acquisitions, and universities have been fighting budget cuts for two decades. I do believe that the trade continues to grow because of private collectors.

Ottawa is not always the first place people think of for rare books - what is the scene like there? Has living and working in Ottawa shaped your interests or the kind of material you specialize in?

I’ve always been interested in Canadiana and our local history since I started school. So many of the early explorers and fur traders travelled right through our city and past our cottage, and I’ve always been fascinated that Champlain and his friends paddled up the river that I see every day and enjoy all summer.

What’s the most memorable or surprising book you’ve handled recently?

Last year, we were able to acquire a first edition of Freud’s "Die Traumdeutung", which was exciting to buy. It’s exciting to have such a landmark book.

In October 2024, you joined the ILAB Committee and have now taken over the role as Education Coordinator, in particular handling scholarships that ILAB awards and overseeing ILAB's Mentoring Programme. Why did you choose this role?

I am really excited to take on this role for ILAB. I was fortunate to be born into the trade, and start working part-time when I was 12, and since that day I’ve always had a mentor, my father. Right from the start, I wasn’t learning by trial and error, but was mentored by someone who learned much of it on his own, and with the help of a few dealers. I think that’s been a great benefit to me. I believe all new booksellers should have such a resource, and it’s my hope that I can grow these two programs. Also, if I could go back 25 years, I would have gone to CABS or YABS. I know several booksellers who’ve gone, and they rave about it.

And finally, when you’re not surrounded by beautiful books, where do we find you?

If I’m not at work, I’m likely at the cottage with partner Megan, from sun to snow. Everyone needs an escape from the city!

To contact Liam, please find all his details HERE.

For all information about ILAB's Mentoring Programme and various educational initiatives of the rare book trade, please find more information HERE or contact Liam McGahern or the ILAB Secretariat