B.J. Irvine thought some of you out there would be interested in more details about our successful book sale Nov. 4 & 5th; so here you are~

An art collector had donated his private art library to us before he died, 5 years ago—about 2,000 marvelous books in 60 cartons. No one had ever had time to open the gift until this year.  We (volunteers & I) finally began opening the boxes several months ago, and sorted them out. We absorbed about 500 into our collection, and put the remainder in the sale.  Magnificent collection!  Most books in “fine” condition—many rare, or uncommon. We also sold other withdrawn books or duplicates etc. 

The books were searched on used book internet sites, and we priced them at 50% of the lowest price for comparable condition, figuring that would appeal to the dealers. It did.  I sent notes to dealers in the Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles area a few weeks ahead, with follow-up reminders.  About 10 or 15 came and loaded many cartons, in addition to the general public etc.  The last 2 hours on the 2^nd day we sold everything at half-price, and gave away certain items.  The dealers accounted for $8,000 of the sales. Some drove up from L.A., 100 miles away, which shows their interest.

We still have a signed copy of Cecelia Beaux’s memoirs, which we offered at full price .  No takers.  I think it will sell on ebay to collectors back east.  Also a couple of “non-art” signed books by Ronald and Nancy Reagan, also destined for ebay.

            The sale was set up in one of our larger conference rooms. Two cashiers (each with an assistant) and the Rare Books Table & clerk were in the museum lobby.

           We couldn’t have done it without a most marvelous bunch of volunteers.  And at the sale, some permanent staff members, including our CFO, volunteered for a couple of hours at the various stations, (cashiering, Rare Book Table, general helper).  We opened the sale to the museum staff a half-hour early. The sale was posted as 11AM to 5PM Friday and Saturday. Two-thirds of the sales dollars were Friday—mostly dealers. Saturday was mostly general public, and some dealers returned, especially to harvest the half-price books at the end. About 200 books left.

            If anyone would like more details (publicity, set-up etc.), please contact me.