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How did the Grolier Club educate book collectors and the public?

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View a tutorial on the safe handling of rare books, manuscripts, and prints by the staff of the Folger Shakespeare Library — book collecting A tutorial from the staff of the Folger Shakespeare Library on the safe handling of rare books, manuscripts, and prints.

The Grolier Club, founded in New York City in 1884 and named in honor of the French bibliophile Jean Grolier de Servières, played a significant role in the development of book collecting as a refined hobby.

Unlike some European bibliophile societies that focused primarily on the production of fine books, the Grolier Club adopted a more outgoing approach to foster appreciation for the craft. It educated its membership and the general public through three primary methods:

Lectures: Providing expert insights into the history and significance of books.1
Exhibitions: Showcasing rare volumes and manuscripts to promote public interest and knowledge.1
Publications: Issuing bibliographic works that documented and shared scholarly research with the community.1

Through these efforts, the club helped establish standards for the hobby and encouraged a deeper engagement with both ancient manuscripts and contemporary literature.1