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New York City is the undisputed capital of the United States antiquarian book trade. With 8.34 million residents, a Francophone community of over 67,000, and a density of universities, museums, and research libraries unmatched anywhere in North America, NYC concentrates the country's most active rare book buyers, dealers, and academic acquisitions programs. La Librairie Antique ships from Paris to all five boroughs — Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island — typically in 3 to 7 business days. Our catalog of 30,000+ French rare books, livres d'artistes, first editions, and 16th-19th century imprints serves NYC collectors building Proust collections, Surrealist livres d'artistes libraries (driven by MoMA proximity), or French theater first editions for Columbia and NYU faculty. Books enter the US duty-free under HTS code 9903.01.31, and NYC sales tax (8.875%) does not apply to international shipping costs. We deliver to private addresses on the Upper East Side, brownstones in Park Slope, Tribeca lofts, and academic offices across Morningside Heights and Washington Square alike.
Shipping to New York City — Rates, Delivery & Colissimo Reference Office
| Service | Manhattan / Brooklyn | Outer Boroughs | Cost (from) |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | 3-4 business days | 3-5 days | $45 |
| Colissimo International Tracked | 5-9 days | 6-10 days | $25 |
| UPS Worldwide Express | 4-5 days | 4-6 days | $40 |
| FedEx International Priority | 3-5 days | 4-6 days | $48 |
For Colissimo, packages route through the USPS New York International Service Center (Jamaica, Queens) before final delivery. DHL parcels clear through JFK CFS typically within 24 hours of arrival. We offer full insurance up to $10,000 per parcel, with declared value matching the invoice — important for any single book exceeding $1,000.
New York City Antiquarian Bookstore Scene
NYC hosts the densest concentration of antiquarian bookshops in the Americas. Our customers regularly cite these reference institutions:
- Argosy Book Store (116 East 59th Street) — six-story Midtown landmark since 1925, deep stock in prints, maps, and 19th-century literature
- Bauman Rare Books (535 Madison Avenue) — flagship for high-end first editions and inscribed copies
- Honey & Wax Booksellers (Brooklyn) — specializes in rare books by and about women
- Strand Book Store (Broadway & 12th) — 18 miles of books, rare book room on the third floor
- NYC Garage Antiquarian Book Fair (every spring) — independent dealer fair, smaller and more accessible than the Park Avenue Armory event
The 66th New York International Antiquarian Book Fair (NYIABF) at the Park Avenue Armory each spring remains the world's premier rare book gathering. We supply European dealers exhibiting there annually.
Universities & Libraries with Special Collections in New York City
- Columbia University — Rare Book & Manuscript Library (Butler Library) — top-5 US French PhD program, active acquisitions of livres d'artistes, French Revolution imprints, and 17th-century theater
- New York University — Bobst Library / Fales Library — French Civilization Studies center, downtown collection focus
- The New York Public Library — Rare Book Division (Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, 5th Avenue) — one of the world's largest research collections, free curator-led acquisition consultations
- The Morgan Library & Museum (Madison Avenue at 36th) — world-renowned medieval manuscripts, illuminated incunabula, French Romantic literature
- The Grolier Club (East 60th Street) — America's oldest bibliophile society, founded 1884
FAQ for New York City Buyers
How fast does DHL clear customs at JFK for antiquarian books?
Books are duty-free under HTS 9903.01.31. JFK customs typically clears DHL Express parcels within 12-24 hours of arrival, with no broker fee required. Colissimo clearance at USPS Jamaica ISC averages 48-72 hours.
Do you ship to NYC PO Boxes?
Yes for Colissimo (USPS-delivered). DHL, FedEx, and UPS require a street address. Most Manhattan doormen accept signature-required parcels; we can also add "Hold for Pickup" at the nearest DHL/FedEx service point.
Can I arrange a private viewing in NYC?
We are Paris-based and do not maintain a NYC showroom. However, during the annual NYIABF (Park Avenue Armory, spring), selected pieces from our inventory can be reserved and viewed via partnering exhibitors. Contact us in advance to coordinate.
Browse Our Catalog
Explore our 30,000+ rare French books — from 16th-century imprints to modern livres d'artistes — and ship anywhere in New York City.
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