The Spellman Museum philatelic library houses an extensive collection of stamp-related literature, including thousands of books, catalogs, audiovisual media, and periodical titles. The collection is international in scope and includes resources about stamps and postal history, as well as the history of philately and related subjects. The library’s rich collection is open to visitors. Consultation on library resources and museum exhibits is available by appointment. 

Contact Jeffrey Brigham, Philatelic Librarian, with any inquiries:
library@spellmanmuseum.org

Deep and Helpful Resources

In addition to current Scott catalogs, we have over 15 shelves of general and specialized catalogs from other nations, including the various worldwide Stanley Gibbons and Michel catalogs. These resources are helpful for identifying specific stamps.

Whether you are preparing an exhibit, or researching your own collection, the library has helpful books. Our collection includes books on exhibiting, postal history and postal rates, specific stamp series, and types of stamps such as revenues, postal stationery, fakes and forgeries, perfins, precancels, and postage dues from the U.S. and abroad. We also house the collection of the Eire Philatelic Association, which is available for loan to its members and to museum members.

The Philatelic Union Catalog includes the holdings of the American Philatelic Society’s Research Library and the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum Library, as well as several other North American philatelic libraries. Links to these libraries’ websites are included in the Philatelic Union Catalog.

Most books and audio-visual resources in the Spellman Library may be borrowed for up to four weeks by museum members and its trustees, staff and volunteers.

Unable to visit us? Borrow by mail.

Museum members who are unable to borrow books in person may request books by mail. In order to cover costs, please plan on the following costs:

$10 preparation fee.

$3 for the first book.

$1 for each additional book.

Please plan to return books within four weeks of receipt, in a secure container, and with postal insurance.

Please allow a few days to process and ship your request.