Alan Conrad Aimone, a book appraiser and chief of Special Collections and librarian at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, will hold a seminar from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Secaucus Public Library and Resource Center on Wednesday, Feb. 26.
Aimone, who has written many books and articles on historical topics including River Guide to the Hudson Highlands, and who serves as treasurer of the Hudson Valley Chapter of American Society of Appraisers, will talk about The Value of Books and the factors that create that value.
Aimone has authored or co-authored 47 published articles, book and encyclopedia entries, include the book A User’s Guide to the Official Records of the American Civil War, co-written with his wife, Barbara Aimone.
An accredited member of the American Society of Appraisers, Aimone has given interviews, seminars and lectures on how to identify books and their values, Jefferson-era books and manuscripts, military history, genealogy and mother other topics. Recently, he has appraised New York State maps, each science fiction magazines, early Bibles and 18th Century music.
Tim Griffith, a fellow member of ASA, said there are only a handful of appraisers who do what Aimone does.
“As appraisers, we all rely on libraries for our research,” Griffith said. “With what in mind, what better place for a seminar on the value of books than a new library?”
Aimone received his bachelor’s in Science Education at Eastern Illinois University, in Charleston. He majored there in American history with minors in social science and library science. He received his masters in arts in Library Science from Rosary College in River Forest, Ill. and the University of Illinois at Chicago. He has taken rare book seminars at Columbia University. He has worked as rare book consultant for the New York Historical Society, as well as other prestigious venues throughout the country.
“Alan will advise those attending how to look for a book’s value and will have a show and tell period using some of his very own valued treasures,” Griffith said. “It will be an interesting evening, and those attending are encouraged to bring along their own treasured books.”
While the seminar is free to the public, Library Director Katherine Steffens asks that those planning to attend to register by calling (201) 330-2083. The library is located at 1379 Paterson Plank Road.