• Museum Gallery 1
• Museum Gallery 2
Original FABA logo
New FABA logo
About that logo
• Museum Gallery 2
Original FABA logo
New FABA logo
About that logo
Back when the FABA was formed, members got into a protracted discussion of what the organization's logo should be. One member, O.J. Brisky, exasperated with the drawn-out deliberation, grabbed a marker and a piece of paper and drew a simple outline of an open book. Into it he inserted the letters FABA. A logo was born! FABA members approved it and that became the logo used for years.
When Larry Kellogg became manager of the Florida Antiquarian Book Fair, he felt that a different logo was needed for the fair. In those days before sophisticated computer graphics programs, designers used paste-down letters that came in sets. Kellogg acquired a sheet of ornate lettering and proceeded to paste a logo together that he could use with the fair. So, for years, there were two FABA logos – the original one and the one for the fair.
In June 2011, the FABA board adopted the ornate lettering version as the official logo of the organization.
When Larry Kellogg became manager of the Florida Antiquarian Book Fair, he felt that a different logo was needed for the fair. In those days before sophisticated computer graphics programs, designers used paste-down letters that came in sets. Kellogg acquired a sheet of ornate lettering and proceeded to paste a logo together that he could use with the fair. So, for years, there were two FABA logos – the original one and the one for the fair.
In June 2011, the FABA board adopted the ornate lettering version as the official logo of the organization.
Memory Lane: The Florida Antiquarian Book Fair has seen many exhibitors in three decades.
Florida Antiquarian Book Fair over the years
Since its inception in 1982, the Florida Antiquarian Book Fair has moved three times.
It originated in Plant Hall at the University of Tampa. Then it moved to the Hilton Hotel in downtown St. Petersburg. From there it moved to the Bayboro Campus of the University of South Florida. All the while, the FABF was growing. More and more booksellers wanted to participate.
The book fair's current home is The Coliseum, a 1920s-era dance hall also in downtown St. Petersburg. The location is widely believed to be the perfect venue for an antiquarian book fair and it is considered highly unlikely that the fair will move again.
In its 30-plus years of existence, the FABF has partnered with various community organizations that have served as community partners. The current sponsors are Bright House Networks, WUSF Radio 89.7 FM and the St. Petersburg Public Library.
For many years, proceeds from the book fair ticket sales have been shared with the civic partner. That practice continues today. The St. Petersburg Public Library will receive a portion of the ticket sale revenue from the 2012 Florida Antiquarian Book Fair. By attending the book fair you're helping the library.