Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Gateway to Philatelic History & Research
The Western Philatelic Library stands as a premier institution dedicated to preserving and disseminating philatelic knowledge. Established in 1969, our mission focuses on acquiring, organizing, and distributing information resources to support stamp collectors, researchers, and postal historians worldwide. Staffed entirely by volunteers from the Friends of the Western Philatelic Librarya 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizationwe maintain one of the largest public philatelic collections in the United States. Our holdings include over 3000 linear feet of books, catalogs, and periodicals, alongside extensive digital resources. We provide research assistance, document digitization, and educational programs to engage both local communities and international scholars.Through strategic partnerships and donations, we continually expand our collection while offering accessible services for beginners and experts alike. Our commitment to innovation drives ongoing efforts to digitize materials for global web-based access. With a heritage rooted in notable collections like the Deats Library and Pacific Philatelic Society archives, we uphold rigorous standards for cataloging, preservation, and public engagement. Our volunteer-driven model ensures operational efficiency while maintaining fiscal transparency for donors and members. Recognized as a vital cultural resource, we foster collaboration among philatelic organizations and libraries worldwide to advance the field's collective knowledge.
Services
Philatelic Research
Book Loans
Donation Program
Educational Programs
Newsletter Subscription
Details
- Year established: 1969
Highlights and features
- We maintain one of the largest public philatelic libraries in the U.S. with 50+ years of specialized expertise
- Our volunteer staff includes experienced philatelists and library professionals with global connections
- We offer unique research services with 16,000+ cataloged items and digitization capabilities
- Our nonprofit status ensures tax-deductible donations and community-focused operations
- We provide access to rare collections from the Deats Library and Pacific Philatelic Society archives
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3)
Services
Philatelic Research
Our library provides comprehensive research support for stamp collectors and postal historians. We offer access to 16,000+ cataloged items including rare books, auction catalogs, and bound journals. Our volunteers assist with document reproduction and specialized inquiries.
Book Loans
We offer book borrowing services for philatelic materials with a two-week circulation period. Our collection includes 4,000 bound journals and 2,000 stamp catalogs. Non-circulating items receive research support through document reproduction services.
Donation Program
We accept donations of philatelic literature, cash, and property to expand our collection. Donors receive tax deductions under IRS 501(c)(3) guidelines and acknowledgment in our quarterly newsletter, The Bay Phil.
Educational Programs
We provide educational programs on philatelic research for local clubs and community groups. Our volunteers present specialized topics and support youth engagement with stamp collecting and postal history.
Newsletter Subscription
Our quarterly newsletter offers philatelic research articles, book reviews, and collection updates. Subscriptions include access to surplus publication listings and member exchange opportunities for collectors worldwide.
Questions
How can I donate philatelic materials to the library?
Contact Eduardo Martino at 650-888-7598 to discuss donation details. We accept books, journals, catalogs, and other philatelic resources for our collection.
Can I borrow books from the library remotely?
Postal borrowers may request materials with responsibility for shipping costs. Non-circulating items receive research support through document reproduction services at $0.50 per page.
What volunteer opportunities are available?
We offer roles in cataloging, research assistance, newsletter editing, website maintenance, and event coordination. Remote and on-site opportunities available for local and international volunteers.
How do I access the library's collection?
Visit our Redwood City location Saturday 10am-1pm or by appointment. Use our electronic catalog for subject, author, or title searches during operating hours.
Is the library affiliated with other philatelic organizations?
We collaborate with global philatelic groups and maintain collections from the Deats Library and Pacific Philatelic Society archives through historic mergers and donations.
