Special events.

Fancy paper.

Old books.

These are things that I can seldom resist, and–quirky as I am–I can’t imagine that I’m the only one. And so, I’m graciously letting you know (though I may now have to fight you tooth-and-nail for some coveted first edition) that this week there is to be a Book and Paper Fair at the Denver Merchandise Mart, hosted by the Rocky Mountain Antiquarian Booksellers Association (RMABA).

It’s a perfect sort of place for your typical literary snob, but also for those who just like the look and smell of a good old paper book. And, at the risk of sounding cliche, we cannot forget the wonders a vintage book or map can do for jazzing up a hipster’s home.

Here is the scoop: This lovely festival is the 27th annual event featuring more than 70 book and paper dealers, and there will be all sorts of stationary goodies, not limited to books, maps, prints, posters and ephemera (antiqued bits of throwaway paper of every day life such as advertising, ticket stubs, programs, postcards, booklets and pamphlets in the vernacular).

The fair takes place August 5 – 6 at the Denver Merchandise Mart, I-25 at 58th Avenue (exit east). Admission is $10 for Friday evening’s preview (includes Saturday re-admission) and $5 on Saturday.  Parking is free. Show hours: Friday 5:00 – 9:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. For more information, visit www.rmaba.org or call 303-756-5821.