The Library
One of the world’s great philatelic libraries.
A working research library at the heart of the Club — open to members and visitors for the study of stamps and postal history.
The Collectors Club is one of the most important philatelic libraries in the world. Beyond housing some of the rarest pieces in philatelic literature, it is very much a working library: members and visitors can research or browse through philatelic publications, periodicals and auction catalogues. The library is open during normal Club hours, Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM.
Inside the library
Four sections, one floor.
The library is divided into four sections, all on the same level: the Open Shelves for books, the Reference and periodicals by the librarian’s desk, the journals and auction catalogs in the high-density rear room, and the rare book room.
Open Shelves
As you enter the Club, the library is to your left. Open shelves hold books and pamphlets organized by country — the United States first — and within each country by subject and then alphabetically by author. A long table and individual work areas offer good lighting and power for laptops.
Reference and Periodicals
Reference books and current periodicals sit on shelves next to the librarian’s desk. If you find we are missing an important book, please let the librarian or a volunteer know.
Journals, Auction Catalogs & Rare Books
Journals are arranged alphabetically and continue in the rear room, alongside historic auction catalogs on the high-density shelves. The rare book room houses some of the library’s treasures and may be accessed only in the presence of the librarian or a Club volunteer. To volunteer or for more information, contact readingroom@collectorsclub.org.
Using the library
Services for members and visitors.
Online catalog
Check the Library’s holdings via the Philatelic Union Catalog on the American Philatelic Research Library (APRL) site: choose “Advanced Search,” select “Library” as the field, then “CCNY.” As the committee verifies our holdings, more of the catalog is added to the APRL Online Catalog.
Book loans, scanning & research
Book loans are available to members only, with no fee to borrow directly from the library; a base mailing fee of $10 includes the first book and $5 for each additional book, for up to 30 days. Scanning is available to members (15 pages in the base fee; extensive scans billed at $30/hour). Material from the Rare Book Collection, periodicals and catalogs may not leave the Library.
Before you visit
Visitor rules & etiquette.
- Sign in. All members and non-members register on the front-table sign-in book (date, name, area of interest) — this helps guide future acquisitions.
- Return books to the bin. To avoid misfiling, place used material in the "Return Books Here" bin near the reference section rather than re-shelving it.
- No food, drink, smoking or vaping in any section of the library; there is ample room for refreshments in the kitchen and social areas.
- Report damage. Please bring any damaged or misplaced items to the attention of a volunteer or the librarian.
Borrow, research, belong.
Members enjoy full access to the library, book loans and scanning services — and a worldwide community of collectors.