Two upcoming events provide collectors an opportunity to expand their rare book library, and history and art lovers the opportunity to expand their literary scope.

On September 27 the National Book Auction in Ithaca, New York will be offering scarce and rare titles from a broad range of categories such as Freemasonry, Polar Exploration, New York State History, George Washington, the United States Civil War, Theology, and Author-Signed Modern Literature. The History Of Freemasonry 1896 is the top estimated lot, requiring a minimum bid of $130 and expected to sell between $100-$250.

In Baltimore September 25-27 is the 14th annual Baltimore Book Festival in Mount Vernon Place. Via Twitter we learned that the Walters Art Museum will have a booth of art books! A call to the gift shop revealed the offerings are coming from the museum as a whole, not just the gift shop. Sounds like a great opprtunity to pick up some new (and perhaps even old) items!

You can participate in the National Book Auction via artfact.com, but to take part in the Baltimore Book Festival, you have to be there.