Reference Library

We hold a unique resource for research into postal history and philately as well as many other topics. The reference library holds around 3500 books as well as many runs of journals, some duplicate archive material, Historical Manuscripts Commission transcriptions, encyclopaedias and an incomplete set of Kelly’s Directories.

We also hold a portfolio collection of material on popular subjects and local histories. These are both housed behind the enquiries desk and are available on request.

The reference library is arranged in classified order on the shelves in the search room. There is a register of books, which has been maintained manually and is available in the reading room and a machine-readable catalogue on Excel, which is available to staff.

The library contains a wide range of material across a number of subjects. This collection can be used to provide background information on subjects related to the archive collection such as transportation, street guides, and other aspects of postal history.

The collection is arranged in broad sections as follows:

• Postal history

• Transport

• • Road, general

  • Road, Itineraries

  • Sea

  • Rail

  • Air

• Postage and postal reform

• Post Office in times of war

• Savings Bank and Insurance

• Staff

• • Biographies A-Z

  • Biographies General

  • General

• Local histories

• • England

  • Wales

  • Scotland

  • Ireland

  • London, postal history

  • London, general

• Directories, street and trade

• • London

  • Scotland

  • Ireland

• Philatelic and allied

• Foreign Library (material is arranged alphabetically by country)

• Telecommunications

• • Telegraphy

  • General

  • Electrical systems

Although the library has not yet been digitally catalogued it will eventually be incorporated into CALM, our management database.