Pages From History: St. Louis Mercantile Library at UMSL

Almost 600 years after the Gutenberg Bible was published— the first book mass-produced by a printing press in the West—there is still something undeniably powerful about the printed word. The St. Louis Mercantile Library at UMSL is well aware of its appeal. As the oldest general library in continuous existence west of the Mississippi River (it was founded in 1846), it has remained a vibrant cultural asset. The library provides members with access to several collections of books, art and archival materials, including historic newspapers and presidential and Civil War-era letters. And leaves from the aforementioned bible’s famous text will be on display beginning April 27. It also hosts the annual St. Louis Fine Print, Rare Book & Paper Arts Fair, which connects local collectors with 30 dealers from across the country.

This year, the fair will be held May 4 through 6 at the J.C. Penney Conference Center on UMSL’s North Campus. The event offers practically every type of paper collectible. Items range from rare first edition books, prints by John Audubon and other artists, original watercolors and historic photographs. “Last year, one dealer brought a complete set of Charles Schultz Peanuts cartoons,” notes Julie Dunn-Morton, the library’s art curator. “People often say there is something for everyone, but there really is here!” This is the 12th year the St. Louis Mercantile Library has presented the event. According to Dunn-Morton, the fair began as a way to revitalize St. Louis’ print market. “We have great collections of rare books and other paper arts, so people came to us with the idea,” she says. “We expanded the concept and made it our own.”

The event includes many one-of-a-kind opportunities. Visitors can watch drop-in demonstrations from artists like Joanne Kluba of Paper Birds Studio, who showcases journal binding, and Juliette Travous, who works with pastels. Both will demonstrate their skills on Sunday. There also will be various encounters with dealers and the items they bring for sale. Dunn-Morton compares it to a museum where you are free to touch the artifacts. “You can get close to some amazing artwork and rare books, and the dealers are very knowledgeable,” she says. “They can let you know about each piece and why a rare book is special. They’re really great resources for experienced collectors or anyone who wants to start.”

The dealers aren’t the only resources that make the fair a great opportunity. Susan Teller, who runs a gallery in New York that specializes in American art from the 1920s to 1960s, has come to the fair every year since it began. “I’m a big fan of the St. Louis Mercantile Library and love that it takes an active role in the fair,” she says. Dunn-Morton and the library’s executive director, John Neal Hoover, are onsite during the fair to answer questions and talk with visitors. “To have these people in the room is an incredible opportunity for collectors,” Teller notes. “They go through everyone’s inventory with a fine-tooth comb, and you can talk with them about any item. You can’t get that anywhere else.”

While the event takes place at the J.C. Penney Conference Center, Dunn-Morton says visitors who want to make the most of the fair should head just a few steps across the quad to the library itself. There, they can take a docent-led tour and get an introduction to its major collections. “I think anyone interested in the fair will find our materials equally stimulating,” she says. “The event mirrors what we have in our collections, which are very broad.” The collections on westward expansion, river and rail transportation, and regional fine art are especially notable.

The library also offers special exhibits. Currently on display is Headlines of History, one of four exhibits designed to build up to the 175th anniversary of the St. Louis Mercantile Library in 2021. It focuses on one of the library’s most important research collections: its newspapers. “It’s a fascinating way to look back at American history,” Dunn Morton says. The exhibit includes newspapers covering such landmark events as the sinking of the Titanic, Alaska achieving statehood and the Cardinals winning their first World Series. It even has the Philadelphia newspaper that published the Declaration of Independence.

The St. Louis Fine Print, Rare Book & Paper Arts Fair kicks off with a preview party May 4, which Dunn-Morton says is the primary fundraiser for the year. It supports both the library’s preservation and acquisition funds, making it possible to expand and maintain its collections. “It’s always a fun party,” she adds. The event includes a silent auction that offers some unique items. As well as the chance to win fine art prints and rare books, guests can bid on tugboat trips on the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, train trips, vintage records and more.

The St. Louis Mercantile Library at UMSL is the oldest general library in continuous existence west of the Mississippi River. The annual St. Louis Fine Print, Rare Book & Paper Arts Fair is May 4 through 6. Pictured on the cover: “Fuchsia Hybride” illustrated in A. Alphand. Les Promenade de Paris: Bois de Boulogne, Bois de Vincennes, Parcs, Squares, Boulevards. Paris: J. Rothschild, 1868. For more information, call 314.516.7240 or visit printfair.umsl.edu.

Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo courtesy of St. Louis Mercantile Library at UMSL

Pictured above: Visitors discuss artwork at the 2017 fair.