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.

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.