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There's something for everyone at Sunday's Antiquarian Book Show

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Children’s books, rare books, maps, pamphlets, old autographs, sports programs, TV Guides — whatever you’re looking for, it will be featured at the 51st Michigan Antiquarian Book & Paper Show Sunday, April 11 at the Lansing Center.

Booksellers from nine states and Canada show off the best of their collections in the show, which is sponsored twice a year by the Mid-Michigan Antiquarian Book Dealers Association. The event began over 25 years ago and, with over 70 exhibitors, it’s the largest show of its type in the Midwest.

“It’s quite an unusual collection of materials and dealers,” said Ray Walsh, owner of Curious Book Shop in East Lansing and one of the founders of the Book & Paper Show.

“We have more than just books for people who are collectors, people who like nostalgia or people who just have a fond memory of different things.”

Walsh said the show brings a variety of customers, from readers and collectors to authors, researchers and genealogists.

“It’s a collective mix of people coming to the show, and that’s part of the fun of it,” he said. “We don’t know what to expect from any given dealer because they bring such an array of material. And it’s not just show-and-tell because all of it is available for purchase, too.”

Matt Meyer, owner of This Old Book in Chicago, makes sure to have a wide range of prices for customers whenever he attends a show.

“People like my booth because they can find stuff for 10 bucks or less,” Meyer said.

This is Meyer’s eighth year attending the show.

Like Meyer, Gary Overmann travels a long distance: He is the owner of Books of the Ages in Battavia, Ohio and travels about five hours to get to Lansing. Overmann specializes in children’s and illustrated books, including Newbery Award and Caldecott Medal winners.

“I’m known for my children’s books, and I try to have a little bit of everything for everybody,” he said.

“I have a good customer base, and I meet good friends, too. And making money is always great.”

51st Michigan Antiquarian Book & Paper Show

9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, April 11

Lansing Center 333 E. Michigan Ave.

$4.50; free for kids under 13

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