Welcome to the Private Libraries Association 2026
"What is the use of a book" said Alice, "without pictures or conversation?"
There will always be pictures because there will always be words,
so let's start the conversation...
Now online: 'Fine Press Bibliography 2011-2026'
Libraries and books are mostly about paper and ink, but online publication counts too! Not least when new information and insight is constantly presenting itself. And so it is with Howard Kistler's 'Fine Press Bibliography 2011-2026', first published online on 14th August 2025, and now in version 6 of 10th June 2026. 170k words across nearly 400 pages, a magnificent achievement and lots more to come.
See the work: HERE
A word from our PLA Secretary, Jim Maslen
Dear Fellow PLA Members,
The files for the Spring 2024 & Summer 2024 journals are now with the printer. The two issues will be posted together. The Spring 2024 issue has articles by Simon Cooke on The Book of British Ballads (1842), and by Jason Burley on commercial advertising in Bryce miniature books. The Summer 2024 issue is devoted to the publications of Professor William Butler’s The Primrose Academy, which issued a series of books on wood-engravers, many of them British, with engravings printed from the original blocks. The engravers include Hilary Paynter, Simon Brett, Harry Brockway, Yvonne Skargon, Ian Stephens, John Lawrence and Sarah van Niekerk.
Jim Maslen, Hon Secretary 5th May 2025
To investigate membership of the PLA, please go HERE
PS: We hope very soon to post a summary of Mr Spencer W Stuart's recent talk to the PLA.
'Early Private Presses' by David Chambers
A Review that originally appeared in the Journal 'Parenthesis' (volume 50)
By David McKitterick
By kind permission of the Fine Press Book Association
Go
HERE
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2025
The PLA agm took place online (via ZOOM) at 2pm on Wednesday 10th September 2025. Those members who attended were able to participate in the management of our Association. Jim Maslen, the PLA secretary, has prepared the draft minutes.
Thank you for attending last 10th September, and see you next year.
Read the draft agm minutes: HERE
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2026
The PLA 2026 AGM will be held at 2pm on Wednesday 9th September 2026. It will be held via Zoom and is open to all members, and no special software needs to be installed. if you wish to participate please contact PLA Secretary, Jim Maslen, and we will send you the relevant paperwork and the link that you will need to access the meeting.
WE HAVE A NEW PRESIDENT!
Please meet
Sebastian Carter: HERE
Become a member of the Private Libraries Association today
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