Spotlight on Societies: American Philatelic Research Society

“American Philatelic Research Library – Philately’s Library”

OVERVIEW OF ORGANIZATION: The American Philatelic Research Library (APRL) is the world’s largest public library dedicated to stamp collecting and postal history. The library collection consists of over 92,000 items spanning almost four miles of shelving. The collection contains books, journals, stamps catalogs, government documents, auction catalogs and price lists, stamp show programs, copies of exhibits as well as special research collections, archival material and digital resources.

The library is open to the public and visitors are welcome to browse the open stacks. The APRL is co-located with the American Philatelic Society in an historic match factory building in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. It is a full service research library providing copying, scanning, borrowing and research services for APS members and the worldwide philatelic community. The renovated 19,000-square-foot library space, opened in 2016, features ample spaces to research and relax, copiers, scanners, charging stations, and wifi. For more information about the library stop by the APS booth at the show or for a research or other library request contact the APRL at library@stamps.org.

PRESENTATION DESCRIPTION: In this first of two consecutive sessions presented by the American Philatelic Society, Scott Tiffney, Librarian & Director of Information Services at the APRL invites you to attend this presentation highlighting the library’s past and future.  As the research library of the American Philatelic Society, come to hear all about the APRL’s resources and services as well as what the future holds for the largest public philatelic library in the world. Following the presentation attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions of the speaker and to provide comment. Plan to attend this APS session and stick around for the one to follow.