|
The first date that there is any reference to book or periodical holdings, or,
indeed, mention of a librarian in the list of society officers, is 1903. It has
developed greatly since then following various bequests and generous donors are
still among the biggest contributors to our holdings.
For many, the library is the prime reason for belonging to the National. It is
a superb research facility, whether you just want to skim through the latest
stamp magazine or catalogue, or wish to undertake a lifetime of researching.
New material is being added daily from around the world and it caters for
collectors at every level of the hobby and for those with all types of
philatelic interest, however obscure these may be.
There are an increasing number of multimedia titles, as electronic publishing
takes hold, together with more traditional books, monographs, newspapers,
catalogues, exhibition items and periodicals. These go back as far as the 1860s
when the hobby, whilst still in its infancy, was first becoming organised and
written about.
Formerly based in Charterhouse Street, London, The National Philatelic Society
Library is now located at The
British Postal Museum & Archive, Freeling
House, Phoenix Place, London WC1X 0DL. Tel:020
7239 2571 E-mail nps@ukphilately.org.uk/nps
Temporary
closure to visitors - Summer 2009
click here for details
Although not all material is held
on the open shelves (and some is stored offsite) details of the books,
periodicals and exhibition material held can be readily ascertained by using
the Search Facility on this website, which is
also available on the catalogue screens in the Search Room of the British
Postal Museum & Archive, where the Library is housed.
Those who do not have access to
the Internet and wish to "browse the shelves at home" should ask for
a listing of their specific country or theme to be sent to their home free by
post.
Except
for reference and rare or valuable material, National PS members in the UK
may borrow books and most periodicals for up to four weeks with an extension
at the Librarian’s decision. Visit the Library or let us know your
requirements by phone, letter or e-mail if you wish to borrow by post.
Library Day Membership is also available at £2
per visit for non-National PS members.
In
addition to National PS Library material, all the corporate history of
Royal Mail and the Post Office is available at the British Postal Museum &
Archive. Come in and watch classic GPO films on video, embark on your postal
family history research, or browse through fantastic folders of posters and
photographs from The Royal Mail Archive.
The Honorary Librarian hopes that you will visit us soon to see what we can do
to enhance your philatelic knowledge.
We gratefully acknowledge aid
from The British Postal Museum & Archive
and the British Philatelic Trust
|
One of the largest general
philatelic societies in Great Britain
