Kate Mitas

Bookseller specializing in the weird and wonderful of 19th and 20th century social history. she/her.

[Kate Mitas @KateMitas]

Procrastinated ALL weekend by doing xmas shopping instead of working because I’m stressed about all the work I have to do before the holidays. Capitalism at its best. 🙃

[Kate Mitas @KateMitas]

@metaverity Yay! I’m excited to meet you in person!

[Kate Mitas @KateMitas]

Today is a slow-motion dumpster fire, so here are some pretty things I’m bringing to the Boston fair to distract you.

[Rocketgirl 🚀 @Rocket_Grrrl]

Leave it to Picard to come up with the classiest, most diplomatic, way to say "fuck around and find out."

[Kate Mitas @KateMitas]

For anyone who has been putting off applying for the CABS-Minnesota Diverse Voices Fellowship, today is NOT the day to procrastinate! Applications are due by 11:59 EST.

[Kate Mitas @KateMitas]

There are worse problems than not having a box big enough to ship an archive of 19th century theatre broadsides to the Boston fair. But it is, nevertheless, a problem. *frantically Googles large appliance stores nearby* #booksellerlife

[Kate Mitas @KateMitas]

Tfw you bring material home to catalogue but have maxed out every procrastination tool at your disposal instead, and just when you think you’ll FINALLY have to start working, you realize it’s a quarter to 9pm so…maybe you should just go to bed early? #booksellerlife

[Kate Mitas @KateMitas]

@JortsTheCat Sorry you’re having a bad day, Jorts. I have zero criticisms of you and think you’re amazing. Sending head scritches and hugs. ❤️

[Kate Mitas @KateMitas]

And for my next trick: turning this unassuming pile of books and ephemera into a kick-ass seed collection of animal rights material! It’ll debut at the Boston fair — if I can squeeze it into my suitcase, that is.

[Kate Mitas @KateMitas]

Panic shopping for the Boston book fair means I just spent a lot of money I don’t have on an archive of photos of circus elephants wearing advertising banners, and I honestly can’t decide if I’m elated or kicking myself. Possibly both. #booksellerproblems

[Kate Mitas @KateMitas]

@SeannaConway @blackwellrare Also, maybe try Lawbook Exchange, if you need to buy it?

[Kate Mitas @KateMitas]

@SeannaConway @blackwellrare Interlibrary Loan is your friend! Talk to your college or public librarian about it — with luck, you can get a book via ILL in a matter of weeks. It looks like Georgetown and Boston College have copies, so it just depends on whether they’ll loan them out.

[Kate Mitas @KateMitas]

After 15 years in the trade, I feel like I have a PRET-TY good sense about what to bring to a book fair. #rarebooksla

[Kate Mitas @KateMitas]

Me: I will finish my e-list at 5pm the night before and send it out first thing the next morning.

Also me: stays up all night working on said list and doesn’t send it out until 5:30pm EST.

Sigh. Anyway, here’s a link: https://t.co/ulQnNHw52V

[Kate Mitas @KateMitas]

Spent 45 minutes carefully wording an IG post about a cool patent medicine item, which exactly three other people have found interesting. Once again my social media juggernaut is a success!

[Kate Mitas @KateMitas]

@briancassidy Keyboard gal is the epitome of cool and prepared, which is why she is obviously not a bookseller. Perhaps she is a librarian who is simply hitching a ride to the fair?

[Kate Mitas @KateMitas]

@arkhamlibrarian @mazarines @bolerium Ooh, this is exciting! I’ll see what I can find that might work.

[Kate Mitas @KateMitas]

@metaverity Yes, and I echo Rebecca’s offer — if you decide to and/or want to take the plunge into the rare book trade, but are hesitant, I’ll be happy to provide support/info/recs in any way possible.

[Kate Mitas @KateMitas]

@RoomofOnesOwn Maybe Rumi’s “One Swaying Being” (you could end it before he brings God into, if you like).