ILAB Congress Scholarships: ILAB and the VDA invite applications for three scholarships for the 2026 ILAB Congress

Apply for one of the congress scholarships by 31 May 2026.

For the first time in over 30 years, booksellers will gather for an ILAB Congress in Germany - and for the first time in Berlin. A city shaped by the many political changes of the past century, particularly since the fall of the Berlin Wall, Berlin is known for its lively cultural scene, which will be reflected in the congress programme.

The Verband Deutscher Antiquare (VDA) has generously offered three scholarships for booksellers in the early stages of their careers to attend the 2026 ILAB Congress free of charge. ILAB will complement these scholarships with a grant of EUR 500 each to help cover travel and accommodation costs.

Details of the congress programme, including library and museum visits as well as social events and meals, can be found here:
https://rarebookweek.berlin/en/ilab-congress/

Who can apply?

Applications are open to full-time antiquarian booksellers in the first five years of their career, whether working independently or as employees.

Applicants are asked to submit an essay (in either English or French, ILAB’s official languages) of no more than 300 words, outlining their background and current (and, where relevant, previous) employment, their particular interests or areas of specialisation and their motivation for applying. A curriculum vitae may be included but is not required. Links to the applicant’s online bookselling presence are welcome.

The Judging Committee is particularly interested in how applicants believe attending the Congress would contribute to their professional development and personal goals, as well as where they see their careers in the next five to ten years.

Shortlisted candidates may be asked to provide references from two or three booksellers, along with proof of their business status (e.g. VAT or tax registration).

ILAB asks scholarship recipients to submit a written report after the Congress, which will be published on the ILAB website.

Dates & Contact

Applications should be sent by email to secretariat@ilab.org no later than 31 May 2026.
The three scholarship recipients will be announced by 1 July 2026.

The Congress will be followed by an international book fair, Rare Books Berlin, running from 18 – 20 September 2026.

Join the Verband Deutscher Antiquare (VDA) and ILAB at the 46th ILAB Congress in Berlin - we very much look forward to receiving your applications.