Friends of the APS Library

To promote the spread of useful knowledge, the American Philosophical Society established the Friends of the Library in 1970. This informal body is designed to make the work and resources of the Library better known among a wider public and to attract gifts of books and manuscripts that will enrich the collection and enhance the value of the Library to researchers. The annual contributions of the Friends have provided funds to acquire rare books and manuscripts that lie beyond our usual budgetary reach.

Portrait of David Rittenhouse
by Charles Willson Peale, 1791

You are cordially invited to become a Friend of the Library of the American Philosophical Society. By becoming a Friend you will help insure that the Society can carry on its service to scholars and the general public. Your membership will testify that research of the kind the American Philosophical Society has encouraged and recognized for two centuries claims the interest and support of many informed and impartial persons.

Further information about becoming a friend may be obtained by e-mail or surface mail:

Friends of the APS Library
American Philosophical Society Library
105 South Fifth Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106-3386
Phone (215) 440-3400

In addition to the Annual Friends' Reception, which is held in November, the Library sponsors a series of lectures and other special events for the Friends. Please click on the banner to the left for a list of upcoming events. We welcome suggestions for future events and programming.

View some Recent Acquisitions purchased by the Friends of the APS Library.