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. Read more about our extensive collections.

Accessing Our Library Collections:

• Search our library holdings using the Online Catalog.
• Access our digital library collections through the  Digital Library.
• Find information on a specific topic using subject guides and finding aids.
• Borrow books or request copies through our library services.

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 photocopy and scanning services as well as reference assistance by phone and e-mail. APS and APRL members may borrow books directly by mail and non-members may borrow books through interlibrary loan. To learn more about our services and to make a request, view library services.

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 $18 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!