MMABDA

The Mid-Michigan Antiquarian Book Dealers Association


MMABDA has been holding antiquarian book and paper shows in central Michigan for over 30 years. We also produce an annual directory of antiquarian book dealers and book binders in Michigan.


We're working on the spring show, which is scheduled for Sunday, April 30th at the same location, Lansing's Causeway Bay Hotel. But stay tuned, or watch our Facebook page, for more information.

We hope everyone stays healthy, and we hope to see you there!


A sample list of exhibitors who've done our show in recent years!





The Antiquarian Book & Paper Show is the largest book and paper show in the Midwest, recently averaging over 30 exhibitors and half a million old, rare, and collectible book and paper items for sale. Items include:

  • First Editions
  • Autographs
  • Illustrated Books
  • Maps
  • Science Fiction
  • Sheet Music
  • Sports Programs
  • Children's Books
  • Michigan History
  • Travel
  • Vintage Magazines
  • Civil War
  • Rare Books
  • Americana
  • Photographs
  • Fine Bindings
  • Mysteries
  • Ephemera
  • Literature
  • Cookbooks
  • Ads
  • Postcards
  • Art
  • Private Press
  • Trade Cards
  • Sciences
  • Film
  • Prints & Posters
Admission $5
CHILDREN 13 AND UNDER FREE

Important: For security reasons, book and paper items for sale or appraisal cannot be brought into the exhibitor hall without authorization from show personnel.


The Michigan Antiquarian Book & Paper Show started in 1985 when a stamp and coin show scheduled at the Washington Avenue Armory in Lansing, Michigan had extra space available. Allen and Penny Crabtree of Eaton Rapids and Ray Walsh of East Lansing decided to add books. That first year there were only 30 exhibitors, but the show quickly became popular and expanded, first moving to the Lansing Civic Center and then on to the Lansing Center. We've now moved to the Causeway Bay Hotel in pursuit of a venue of just the right size.

The show that started on a whim grew to be one of the biggest of its kind in the United States. Though the advent of the internet has affected the show, it is still the largest book and paper show in the Midwest, regularly housing 60 or more dealers from several states and Canada.

There is plenty of seating throughout the aisles for visitors to relax, and the hotel provides free parking!

With dozens of dealers and thousands upon thousands of items, there's something for everyone at the show, from old classics to rare museum pieces for serious collectors. You'll find vintage postcards, maps, magazines, pamphlets, posters, and more, and of course books, books, books, on hundreds of subjects, from local history to children's stories to science fiction, mystery, militaria, and more.

Want to know more about the show?
See our Facebook page!
Want to know more about the venue?
See the Causeway Bay Hotel's website!

Google Maps link for the Causeway Bay Hotel



Dealer Information

We welcome new exhibitors! If you'd like to see dealer information, please visit our dealer information page.