Welcome to the Private Libraries Association

Welcome to the Private Libraries Association


Founded in 1956, the Private Libraries Association is an international society of book collectors – collectors of rare books, fine books, single authors, special subjects, and, above all collectors of books for the simple pleasures of reading and ownership. 

We publish the well regarded quarterly journal, The Private Library, which prints essays on members’ libraries, specialised collections, the work of the private presses, illustrators and, indeed, any aspect of the mania likely to appeal to collectors.  Reviews of new books are a regular feature. 

A series of illustrated books on specialised aspects of book collecting has been issued over the past fifty years, those still in print described in our current Books Catalogue. Also available is the annual bibliography Private Press Books, the definitive checklist for worldwide private press output from 1960 to 2010, which has been published by us since 1959.

Become a member today!

Members receive the quarterly journal and newsletter, and free books every two to three years and access to the exclusive members’ Newsletter and Exchange List, which is issued quarterly. Members’ Handbook is issued about every three years, listing member contacts and collecting interests. 

Latest News and Reviews 

By Kevin Cordes 12 Jul, 2023
The Private Library
By Kevin Cordes 28 Feb, 2023
Robin de Beaumont In Memoriam
By Kevin Cordes 04 Aug, 2022
Announcing 'Lives in Book History: Changing Contours Over Forty Years' Edited by Robin Myers, Michael Harris and Giles Mandelbrote
Show More

Become a member of the PLA today!

Become a member today and join an ever growing community of book enthusiasts…at last count over 450 individual members and over 80 institutional members! The year 2016 marked our 60th anniversary and the momentum of enthusiasm for all things PLA continues to grow. 

We want to encourage all bibliophiles – anyone who loves books – to join at an annual subscription of only £30. You will receive our well-respected quarterly journal, packed with interesting articles on all manner of subjects relating to books. Members also receive discounts on all our publications and a complimentary members book every 2-3 years. Students and anyone under the age of 26 will receive membership at only £15…so all young book collectors should sign up today
JOIN TODAY
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram

The Private Libraries Association's social media accounts, TWITTER @PLAbooks and INSTAGRAM pla_books, are not only easily accessible from your iphone, smart phone or tablet but have the most up to date news on what is happening in the printing, engraving, book publishing, author updates, and library news that can be visually consumed without taking too much of your time. The links to other sites, articles, companies and blogs are exciting to read and constantly stimulating.



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