Some critics contend the computer has killed the book; others see a resurgence of interest in books and point to the book's exuberant vitality. Those who agree with the latter will want to know about an organization for book collectors -- The Iowa Bibliophiles. The group is for anyone with a serious interest in books, their creation, preservation, and collecting, from buyers, sellers, librarians, to book designers to publishers and bookbinders -- to anyone who loves and accumulates books for a reason. While based in Iowa City, the group is open to the public as well as University of Iowa faculty, staff and students, and has attracted members from across eastern Iowa. Its objective is to provide a forum in which to share and gather experience and information about books and bookcollecting. The Bibliophiles enjoy the use of meeting space in the University Libraries, either in the Special Collections Department, Third Floor, Main Library, or in the Conference Room, Second Floor SE, on the University of Iowa campus in Iowa City. Meetings are at 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month, excepting January, June, July, August, and December. Programs last about an hour and are followed by a social period so that members and guests can expect to be away by 8:30. Meetings are announced as they are scheduled, and an email reminder is sent a week or two in advance of each meeting to all names on the "members" list. Guests are welcome. |