To promote the spread of useful knowledge, the American Philosophical Society established the Friends of the Library in 1970. This informal body was 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. 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.
In 2009, the Friends of the Library has grown into the Friends of the APS. Please visit the main Friends section [1] for further information about how to join.