About the Library

The APRL has one of the world's largest and most accessible collections of philatelic literature. Its nearly four miles of shelving containing more than 23,000 book titles and 5,700 journal titles as well as catalogs (general and specialized), government documents, auction catalogs & price lists, stamp show programs & palmares, exhibits (copies of philatelic exhibits), CD- and DVD-ROMs, and research and archival collections.

Accessing the Library Collections:

• Search the library holdings of the APRL and twelve other philatelic libraries using the David Straight Memorial Philatelic Union Catalog

​

TUTORIALS

• Introducing the Union Catalog
  • Read About It HERE    See Video HERE
• Searching the Union Catalog
  • Read About It HERE    See Video HERE
• Making A Request in the Union Catalog
  • Read About It HERE    See Video HERE
• Find information on a specific topic using subject guides and finding aids.

Library Services

Researchers are welcome to visit the library at the American Philatelic Center in Bellefonte. For those who cannot travel to Bellefonte, the APRL offers full library service remotely (scans, borrowing, research) by phone and e-mail. Only APS members may borrow books either in-person or remotely directly by mail. To learn more about our services and fees view library services fees.

Subscribe to the Philatelic Literature Review

The APRL publishes a quarterly journal, the Philatelic Literature Review. View the current table of contents and on-line articles. This periodical contains indexes and bibliographies, reviews of current philatelic literature, publications in progress, news from the APRL, and “The Clearinghouse,” a forum for subscribers to list literature they want to buy or sell. The basic U.S. subscription is just $21 per year. Other membership levels are available; amounts exceeding the basic subscription fee help to defray the Library's operating costs and are tax deductible. Subscribe today!