International League of Antiquarian Booksellers

About This Association

In 1947, representatives from five countries, Denmark, France, Great Britain, the Netherlands, and Sweden, met in Amsterdam to discuss the formation of an International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB), with the aim of establishing new hope for international peace through open markets, to foster friendship and understanding, and to counteract the animosity and suspicion engendered by World War II. ILAB was formally incorporated in Copenhagen in September 1948. Since 1953 do ILAB booksellers proudly display the logo of a book encircled by the slogan "Amor Librorum Nos Unit" - The love of books unites us. In the same year, the ILAB Code of Usages and Customs was adopted to which ILAB booksellers until this day adhere to. A large number of booksellers dedicated their time and expertise and served on the ILAB Committee over the years, some in leading roles as ILAB President, Vice President, Secretary or Treasurer or in other capacities, awarding the ILAB Prize for Bibliography, taking over responsibility for educational programmes, event planning, security matters, IT development or liaising with peer trade bodies in the arts trade, library world or with large cultural institutions.

Publications

Directory of Antiquarian Booksellers

Conventions

44th ILAB Congress

Specialties:

1. Books

Information Summary