The Library
The Society established a library from the very beginning, with the first listing being published in 1895. A fire destroyed that library in 1906 but stocks were soon re-established.
The Library seeks to obtain publications about Philately (in its widest sense) according to these priorities:
Priority 1. New Zealand topic, or any Philatelic topic where published in New Zealand, or by a Society member. This includes New Zealand Dependencies.
Priority 2. Antarctica and local Pacific Islands.
Priority 3. Historical research relating to Priority 1 philatelic study e.g. Military history publications, NZ shipping registers. General philatelic interest, such as Exhibiting, Forgeries, Cinderellas, Postal History. Philatelic Indexes and Bibliographies.
Priority 4. British Commonwealth, especially Australia, Great Britain; USA; Asia
Priority 1. New Zealand topic, or any Philatelic topic where published in New Zealand, or by a Society member. This includes New Zealand Dependencies.
Priority 2. Antarctica and local Pacific Islands.
Priority 3. Historical research relating to Priority 1 philatelic study e.g. Military history publications, NZ shipping registers. General philatelic interest, such as Exhibiting, Forgeries, Cinderellas, Postal History. Philatelic Indexes and Bibliographies.
Priority 4. British Commonwealth, especially Australia, Great Britain; USA; Asia
These run across collecting themes of Stamps, Postal History, Postcards, Thematics, Postal Service etc.
Philately, at the advanced research level, involve serious historical inquiry. In addition to the consideration of stamps and covers, it analyses cancellations, postal routes, methods of mail transportation and delivery, locations of stamps on a pane or block, method of printing, types of paper, ink, adhesive (or lack thereof), and printing errors. Our permanent holdings aim to support this research in our areas of priority.
Philately, at the advanced research level, involve serious historical inquiry. In addition to the consideration of stamps and covers, it analyses cancellations, postal routes, methods of mail transportation and delivery, locations of stamps on a pane or block, method of printing, types of paper, ink, adhesive (or lack thereof), and printing errors. Our permanent holdings aim to support this research in our areas of priority.
As at 2012 the Library holds around 1300 books & monographs, over 500 catalogues and dealer listings, 300 Exhibition publications and 360 journal titles. Around 1000 specialised auction sale catalogues and a further 100 different issuers of general auction sales are retained. Many items of grey literature and more ephemeral material are held on the Misc. Papers section. Finally, over 120 copies, some in colour, of various exhibition entries and members’ collections are also held.
In 2007 the Society published a Library List, complete with CD. This is still available. Updates are published regularly in our Newsletter Royal Lines.
Members are welcome to browse the Library during normal Office hours, and on meeting nights. Books can be borrowed by members in person, or by mail within New Zealand, with the member paying suitable postage costs both ways.