In 1985, a 28 year-old novice named Naioma Walberg, who had never attended a book fair, decided that an antiquarian book fair in Denver was a good idea. She and her mother hand-addressed more than 400 letters to prospective exhibitors and arranged to rent space in the Grand Ballroom of the Fairmont Hotel. Exhibitors had to bring their books through the kitchen of the Fairmount and share a single freight elevator to reach the exhibit area. Naioma and her family staffed the show, which was attended by 1500 paying customers. This is how the Rocky Mountain Antiquarian Book Fair was born.
The Fair has gone through many changes over the years, but a handful of the original exhibitors are still regular fixtures. The Fair was held in several downtown Denver venues over the ensuing years.
In 1995 the Fair moved to the Denver Merchandise Mart to take advantage of easy access and parking, as well as a modern and secure facility that is specifically designed for this type of show. The Fair has been owned and operated by the Rocky Mountain Antiquarian Bookseller's Association for about a dozen years. In an effort to broaden the appeal to both collectors and exhibitors, the name of the event was changed to The Rocky Mountain Book & Paper Fair in 2006.
In recent years, the number of exhibitors has been in the range of 75- 85, but has been as high as 100. The range of specialties that are represented grows and changes every year. The significant and extraordinary items that have been exhibited over the years are far too extensive to innumerate. The list of experts and authors that have graced the Fair include author Nicholas Basbanes, Georgia Barnhill of the American Antiquarian Society, novelist and local bookman John Dunning, and many, many more.
Recently we have been teaming with local institutions for publicity and promotions. In 2006, our co-sponsor was local public radio broadcaster KUVO Jazz89. This year we are very excited to be collaborating with The Colorado Railroad Museum and reaching out to the many supporters of that fine organization.
The history of the Rocky Mountain Book & Paper Fair has hundreds of fascinating stories to tell, so does the future. We hope you choose to be a part of it.