The Washington Rare Book Group takes advantage of the abundant bibliographic resources in the capital area. We organize curator-led tours of rare book exhibitions, behind-the-scenes tours of special collections, sponsor lectures by leaders in the field, and
gather as a group to discuss book-related topics. Our members’ interests and our program topics range from medieval manuscripts to 21st century artists’ books.

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Our informal, diverse, and welcoming group dates from the early 1970’s.  A small number of bibliographically inclined Washingtonians from various disciplines got together to share research and book-collecting interests. The group’s membership has expanded over the years and now includes librarians, historians, independent booksellers, printers, book conservators, book artists, and book lovers.

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We meet once a month during the academic year.  Past meetings have included panel discussions on artists’ books in libraries, the digitization of rare book collections, and navigating the job market in rare book librarianship; tours of exhibitions at the Smithsonian Libraries and the Folger Shakespeare Library; and an evening tour of the Library and telescopic stargazing at the Naval Observatory.

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We welcome new members and offer a discount to students.  Our events offer members and their guests opportunities to meet like-minded book people and enjoy some of the riches that the Washington area has to offer.