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by Victor J. Fariello Jr.
Collecting books is an interesting and rewarding hobby.
Collecting Books: A Worthwhile Pursuit

Book collecting is more than a hobby; it is a passion rooted in history, discovery,
and personal connection. Whether driven by nostalgia, scholarly interest, or the NH Historical Society
thrill of the hunt, book collectors often find themselves building meaningful – Join Today!
relationships with the written word and the physical objects that carry it. It’s a great time to renew or start your membership in this great community asset.
At its core, book collecting involves acquiring and preserving books for their There are new rates for 2025: $20 Individual; $25-Family; $50-Contribute; and
intellectual, historical, or aesthetic value. Some collectors seek first editions, rare $100-Corporate. You can also now pay for your membership online at the society’s
manuscripts, or signed copies. Others focus on specific genres, authors, periods, website newhartfordhistory.com or you can mail your check payable to ‘NH
or themes—Victorian novels, modern poetry, science fiction, or cookbooks, to Historical Society’ to PO Box 238, New Hartford, NY 13413. All donations are tax
name a few. The motives vary: a collector might chase childhood favorites, build a deductible. Your support is appreciated.
professional research library, or invest in items of growing financial worth. NH Questers Seeking Members
One of the joys of book collecting lies in the tactile experience—the feel of old
leather bindings, the look of hand-pressed type, or the scent of aging paper. A book The J. Schoolcraft Sherman Chapter #1519 meets monthly at the NH Library except
can be a historical artifact, a work of art, or a personal memento. Bookplates and July and August. Our meetings are at 4:30 p.m. on the 1st Monday of the month.
inscriptions tell stories that extend beyond the printed text, offering a glimpse into We are a chapter of the International Questers, an organization of individuals
the lives of previous owners. interested in history, preservation and an appreciation for antiques. We try to have
Collectors also play an important role in preservation. By valuing and caring for an interesting program each month and members bring items for a Show & Tell.
Dues are $50 per year and includes an online subscription to the quarterly Questers
books, they help keep literary heritage alive. In some cases, private collections have magazine. For more information contact me by email at vjfariello@gmail.com or
later formed the foundations of public libraries and archives. call 315-723-7285. We would love to see you at an upcoming meeting this Fall.
Ultimately, collecting books is a deeply personal endeavor. It is not about the Victor J. Fariello Jr. is a lifelong resident of New Hartford and has been a collector and
number of volumes on a shelf but the stories behind them, the pursuit of knowledge, dealer of antiques for many years. He is a past officer and member of the New Hartford
and the quiet satisfaction of holding a piece of history in one’s hands. Historical Society and is the President of the J. Schoolcraft Sherman Chapter #1519 of
There are some excellent books available on book collecting. The Art of Rare and The Questers, an International organization for people who love antiques and have a
Antique Book Collecting by John Harvey; Discovering Book Collecting by John commitment to preservation. Questions on anything related to antiques can be sent to
Chidley; and Modern Book Collecting by Robert Wilson and Nicholas Bisbanes. him at PO Box 194, Washington Mills, NY 13479 or by email to vjfariello@gmail.com.
These and many others on the subject are available on amazon.com. Any photos submitted will be returned upon request.
Happy collecting!