Bookseller Spotlight: The Kelmscott Bookshop

Welcome back to our Bookseller Spotlight feature.  This time our spotlight shines on The Kelmscott Bookshop, of Baltimore, Maryland. Biblio loves to support independent booksellers…it’s what we are all about!

The Kelmscott Bookshop was founded in 1977 and is home to nearly 30,000 books in all subject areas from the late 1600’s through today.  Along with a lovely Baltimore charm, they offer prints, illuminated manuscripts, note cards, book marks, and journals in addition to its impressive collection of books. They also provide book binding and restoration services.

Do you specialize in any genres?

We specialize in books about books, books printed by private presses, artists’ books, and rare 19th century literature.

Do you have a piece of book repair/preservation advice?

In addition to selling books, we offer binding and restoration services. Please contact us at info@kelmscottbookshop.com for more information.

What do you find most rewarding about your job?

I enjoy getting to handle, research, and enjoy a large variety of books that I would never get to spend time with if I didn’t work at a rare bookstore. I also enjoy meeting other bibliophiles – the more eccentric, the better!

Have you had any celebrities visit your store?

A scene from Her Alibi starring Tom Selleck was filmed in our shop many years ago. We also have a few celebrity customers but they must remain anonymous.

Do you attend any book shows?

Yes – we attend and exhibit at book fairs around the country. We’ve also done a few international fairs including London, Toronto, and Paris.

Do you have a bookstore cat, or other mascot?

We adopted our patrol kitty, Madeline from the SPCA about 8 years ago. Her favorite perch is the front desk where she can inspect the latest arrivals and if possible, sleep on them. We also have an alley cat, Allen, who is looking for a good home.

The Kelmscott Bookshop
34 W 25th St.
Baltimore, MD 21218
(410) 235 – 6810
info@kelmscottbookshop.com
www.kelmscottbookshop.com