American Philatelic Research Library celebrates National Library Week 2013

Communities matter @ your library:
celebrate National Library Week April 14-20

Patrons using the library.

Bellefonte, Pa. – The American Philatelic Research Library joins libraries in schools, campuses, and communities nationwide in celebrating National Library Week April 14–20. This week is a time to highlight the value of libraries, librarians, and library workers.

Libraries today are more than repositories for books and other resources. Though the people who use the APRL live all over the country and around the world, the APRL serves as a common place for stamp collectors, postal historians, and anyone researching stamps and the mail.

"Service to the philatelic community has always been the focus of the APRL," said librarian Tara Murray. "Like all successful libraries, the APRL has grown and evolved in response to the needs of that community."

The APRL provides reference assistance, book loans, photocopying, and scanning services. The Philatelic Union Catalog, which includes the holdings of major philatelic libraries in North America and the Royal Philatelic Society London, is hosted by the APRL and the APRL is a founding partner of the Global Philatelic Library.

Rendering of the new library space.

The APRL is set to begin work on new library space in the American Philatelic Center. The first phase will include compact shelving, a rare book room, and a map room. When the project is complete, the new library will replace the two separate spaces currently used by the library.

"The new library space will provide first rate research facilities," said Ken Martin, Executive Director of the American Philatelic Society. It will also be ADA compliant, have wireless access throughout, provide added security for unique collections, and include workspace for donation processing and a growing number of volunteers.

To learn more about the new library and opportunities to contribute, visit the Strategic Priorities section of the American Philatelic Society website at www.stamps.org/Strategic-Priorities.

The APRL is celebrating National Library Week with a series of blog posts highlighting library services to the philatelic community. Starting Sunday, April 14, visit Philatelic Literature & Research at http://blog.stamplibrary.org/ for a new post each day — or follow the APRL on Twitter @stamplibrary.

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April.

The 12,500-square-foot American Philatelic Research Library contains more than 20,000 book titles and more than 5,500 periodical titles, government documents, auction catalogs, and philatelic exhibits. It also holds several unique archives, including the Daniel Hines Air Mail Collection.

The APRL is a public nonprofit that relies heavily on donations of materials. Members of the APRL and the APS may borrow materials directly through the mail and others may access the collections through interlibrary loan. The APRL is open to the public and scholars are always welcome to do research on site.

For more information, visit the APRL on the web at www.stamplibrary.org or call 814-933-3803 and select option 3 for the library.

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