APRL In-Kind Donation Guidelines

When considering donating philatelic literature to the APRL, please use the following as a guide.

The APRL collects:

• Literature and research material on all aspects of philately and postal history
• Material relating to the history of the American Philatelic Society (APS) and American PhilatelicResearch Library (APRL)
• Exceptional archival collections which have enough significance to warrant their long-term placement in the library’s archives
• Artifacts that provide insight or inspire curiosity about postal history, the postal service, and the history of philately

The APRL does NOT collect*:

• Plaques, awards, and trophies
• Reproductions or clippings from philatelic publications already held within the APRL or at other institutions
• Reproductions or clippings from non-philatelic publications unless they have significant and useful philatelic content that cannot be found elsewhere
• Reproductions of philatelic materials, unless included with context or within a larger collection or publication
• Philatelic materials, unless they are integral to the understanding of a collection or publication
• Severely damaged or extremely fragile items, unless they are rare or of significant research value
• Materials exhibiting mold or exposure to bugs or other pests
• More than two copies of published or unpublished materials. Please consult the library catalog or ask the librarian if you are unsure if the library has two copies of a publication
• Routine financial records such as invoices, receipts, payment information, banking information, ledgers, insurance information etc.
• Materials with no connection to philately, postal history, philatelic organizations, the APS or APRL, except for collateral materials listed above or materials related to the history of the Bellefonte Match Factory

*Some exceptions may apply. Please check with the librarian to discuss your donation.

The APRL does not need: Copies of The American Philatelist, Philatelic Literature Review, and Scott Catalogs after 1925.

The APRL probably does not need: Widely published and distributed book titles in English and back issues of common U.S. journals (First Days, Airpost Journal, Collectors Club Philatelist, etc.). Check with the librarian before donating.

The APRL might need: New book releases, especially items published outside of the U.S. and Canada; rare books or materials with a limited distribution; materials in other languages; recent copies of stamp catalogs published outside of the U.S. Check with the librarian before donating. 

Contact the librarian via email here.