Welcome to the Private Libraries Association Website

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. Occasional meetings to hear lectures on cognate subjects are held in central London. It is a registered charity and is also an organization in liaison with CILIP (formerly the Library Association).

The Association's quarterly journal, The Private Library, includes substantial essays, well illustrated and supported by full checklists where these would be useful. Concentrating on books that can be collected today, it has published essays on members' libraries, specialized collections, the work of private presses, illustrators, and indeed any aspect of the mania likely to appeal to collectors. Reviews of new books and notes on recent private press books are regular features.

Also issued quarterly are the Newsletter and Exchange List, which last includes details of books that members are willing to give to others, and of books they wish to sell or obtain. Correspondence within the Association is encouraged, and to this end the Members' Handbook is issued, listing addresses and collecting interests.

A series of illustrated books and pamphlets on specialized aspects of bibliophilia has been issued. Apart from a book issued free to members every year or so, certain books are published on a subscription basis and are offered to members at substantially reduced prices. Details are on our books page