A Talk by Rare Book Specialist Ken Gloss

Kenneth Gloss, proprietor of the internationally known Brattle Book Shop in Boston’s Downtown Crossing section, will give an in-person presentation on the value of old and rare books on Thursday, September 7, at 1 p.m. at Rogers Memorial Library.

Gloss, a rare book specialist and appraiser who is frequently seen on national TV, will talk in part about the history of his historic bookshop, the Brattle Book Shop (brattlebookshop.com), which is one of America’s oldest and largest antiquarian bookstores and dates back to circa 1825.

This year marks the 74th of Gloss family ownership. Kenneth Gloss succeeded his late father, George Gloss, a well-known figure both in Boston and national antiquarian circles. He had worked in the store since childhood and chose to go into the book business rather than pursue a doctorate in chemistry and became the sole proprietor upon his father’s death in 1985.

“I found that books were in my blood and that I would never be really happy if I abandoned the business,” said Gloss.

As a second-generation owner, at the library, Gloss will discuss growing up in the book business, show some of his favorite finds while enjoying “the thrill of the hunt,” and explain how he appraises books and manuscripts. He will also share guidelines for building and maintaining a significant collection and take part in a Q&A session at the conclusion of his talk. Afterward, he will give free verbal appraisals of books participants have on hand or will do so at his shop in Boston at a later scheduled date.

To register, visit rogersmemorial.librarycalendar.com. Rogers Memorial Library is at 91 Coopers Farm Road, Southampton.