Category: Libraries

I don’t think any other philatelic library has a more elegant setting than that of the library of the Collectors Club of New York.  The Collectors Club was founded in 1896 and is housed in a five story brownstone on East 35th Street in New York City. The building was designed by noted architect Stanford White . The library is one of the most extensive philatelic libraries in the world and has approximately 150,000 volumes. The extensive nature of the library was the primary reason for undertaking a major renovation of the club’s facilities which was completed in 2000. The library is one of the participants in the online union catalog of the American Philatelic Research Library.  To search the holdings of the Collectors Club library, select “CCNY” from the “Location” drop-down selection list near the bottom of the on-line Catalog Search form. Only members can borrow materials from the library but visitors are welcome to conduct onsite research during regular library hours. The Collectors Club Philatelist, the journal of the club, is considered to be one of the most prestigious in philately. The table of contents for recent issues of the journal and selected articles are available on the club’s website. The Collectors Club has also published several significant books which are available for purchase.

Since coming to the APRL, I’ve learned that many philatelists have extensive personal libraries. Here are a few tips for storing your literature collection as safely as your stamp collection:

• The ideal environment for books and documents is free of dust and pollutants, not exposed to sunlight or bright artificial light, and has moderate temperature and humidity.
• Avoid storing your library in an attic or basement if possible. These spaces are often prone to excessive heat and moisture.
• Avoid storing books in spaces exposed to direct sunlight or bright light.
• Store unbound documents and newspapers flat in boxes.
• Binding can help preserve journals or loose manuscripts, especially if they will be used frequently.
• Store clippings and other small items unfolded in folders.
• Avoid excessive handling of fragile books and documents.

Continue reading “Caring for your personal library”

 

The  Rocky Mountain Philatelic Library (RMPL) celebrated the one year anniversary of its purchase of an adjacent building for expansion on December 4. A press release issued by RMPL looks back over this past year and chronicles many of the library’s accomplishments.  Significant strides were made in the renovation of the newly acquired building almost all of which was accomplished by volunteers. Immediately after purchase the additional space was being utilized for a wide variety of philatelic meetings and events. The new space has enabled the library to make its collection of around 10,000 books and 1,100 periodical titles much more accessible. The acquisition of the new building included outside space which has been transformed into an attractive garden area by volunteer help. Besides the many hours worked by volunteers to remodel and update the new building, the RMPL also has initiated an adult education program in affiliation with Denver University titled World History Through Stamps.  This is an 8-week program presented by RMPL members, that began in September 2010, and is being repeated for the 2011 Winter and Spring semesters. I reported earlier on the library’s publication of Mexico’s Denver Printing of 1914 by Ron Mitchell.  The membership of the library has grown to over 500. The RMPL’s newly revamped website includes more information and photos about the library and its expansion.

Yesterday I talked to a group of Girl Scouts about library collections. One of the things they wanted to know was how libraries get their books and how librarians decide which books to add to the collection.

Some libraries buy books, I told them, but here at the APRL we rely primarily on donations to grow our collection. Almost every day, boxes of books, journals, manuscripts, and research files arrive at the APRL.  Library staff open these gifts, and add those that are appropriate for our collection to the catalog so that members can use them. Each issue of the Philatelic Literature Review includes a list of new arrivals, as well as a list of the generous individuals and companies who donated material to the Library.

We can’t add every item we receive to the collection. Some are duplicates and some are simply out of the scope of our collection. We offer these items for sale, with the proceeds benefiting the Library. Each issue of the PLR also includes a “Literature Clearinghouse” section where the APRL lists new items for sale. (Members also use this section to list literature for sale and literature wanted to buy.)

We also receive monetary donations to purchase books, microfilm, equipment, and furniture.

So, on the day before Thanksgiving here in the U.S., the APRL says “Thank you” to all of our generous benefactors.

If you are interested in donating materials or money to the APRL, please contact us to discuss your donation.

The American Philatelic Research Library is a public library under Pennsylvania law and an authorized tax-exempt, nonprofit institution under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Any donations may be tax deductible under prevailing IRS code specifications.

Readers of Philatelic Literature & Research may also be interested in another philatelic blog, Don Schilling’s Stamp Collecting Round-Up. Don is an APS member and blogs about “interesting news, resources and links about stamps, stamp collecting and postal operations.”

In a recent post, he highlights one of our fellow philatelic libraries, the Rocky Mountain Philatelic Library.

Like the Postal History Foundation’s library, described in Larry’s post on this blog, the RMPL’s holdings are included in the Philatelic Union Catalog hosted by the APRL. At the bottom of the search screen, a drop-down box allows you to search each collection individually, or all collections simultaneously.