Books, Borrel & Banter: 2026 Edition
On the eve of our 40th anniversary, we are reminded of the importance of community: and, as we continue to grow our inner circle, our conversations are expanding as well. Curiosity, ideas, and community have kept us together during an eventful and thought-provoking year, and our mission has never been more necessary. This holiday season, the John Adams Institute and The American Book Center—partners in curiosity and conversation—invite you to slow down, raise a glass, and celebrate the ties that bind us. Join us for an exclusive shopping and community night at ABC Amsterdam: the second edition of an after-hours gathering of book lovers, holiday cheer, and a sneak peek at the 2027 program and our exciting plans.
We are excited to welcome our community partners to this year’s event, widening our circle. Partners include the Amsterdam Book Club, the International School of Amsterdam, KIP Republic, the American Women’s Club of Amsterdam, Room for Discussion, and the Fulbright Commission the Netherlands.
What to expect:
- Private shopping hours with ABC booksellers on hand to help you find the perfect gifts
- Enjoy a 10 percent discount on all purchases, plus free holiday gift wrapping
- Festive drinks, live music, and good company in the heart of Amsterdam
- Exclusive first look at the John Adams 2027 speaker lineup: announcement at 7:30 PM
Together, we’ll toast to a remarkable 2026—featuring voices like Jill Lepore, Ada Limón, Kaveh Akbar, and Bryan Stevenson—and look ahead to an inspiring year through community, conversation, culture, and ideas.
Registration is required. Members of the John Adams Institute, the American Book Center and the partners mentioned above can register for a free ticket. Non-members are welcome to join for a small fee. Please click here to register, or use the Buy Tickets button at the top of this page.