Peggy J. Slusser Philatelic Library
Premiere philatelic research library
Please note that beginning September 25, 2024, the Slusser Library will be open to the public. Please check the calendar schedule for periodic closures due to reservations by other groups.
Visiting the Slusser Library
The Peggy J. Slusser Philatelic Library operates during the same days and hours as the rest of the Foundation. Local members in good standing may check out materials (five per month). Click here for reading room policies (pdf).
We strongly recommend that you call ahead (520-623-6652 x107), especially if you have a complex research question, or one that may require pulling several source material for you, or that may require photocopying. Our librarian is a “solo librarian,” and when she is not in, the library is closed. The library is also periodically closed when it is reserved by other groups. Please consult the schedule for more information.
The Slusser Library is a program/department of the Postal History Foundation but is located in a separate building rather than the Foundation proper. To visit the library, follow the general directions to the Foundation. From the parking lot, walk through the gateway and into the courtyard. The library is the building on the right.
What does the Slusser Library have?
The Peggy J. Slusser Philatelic Library holds two main collections: the Library Collection and the Archival Collection.
Library Collection
The Library Collection’s scope is primarily philatelic, with some supplemental subjects such as Arizona, transportation, and history.
Materials in the Library Collection include:
- Monographs
- Descriptive catalogs with pricing
- Auction catalogs
- Post office publications
- Journals and magazines
- Maps
- Ephemera
Discover our holdings
To find out what we have, please consult our records in either or both of the online catalogs found here.
Access material in the Library Collection
Library Collection materials may be read by anyone in the reading room. Most materials are available for checkout to local members in good standing.
Full Library Collection Management Policy
The document explains the Library Collection’s purpose, scope, acquisition, criteria for retention and weeding, loans, care, and use policies.
Archives Collection
The Archives Collection’s materials are generally related to Arizona philately and postal history, and also include United States Post Office documents, and materials related to this Foundation and its members.
Sub-collections in the Archival Collection:
- Manuscript Collections: These materials include research notes, covers, paper artifacts, etc.
- Photographic Collections: Most photographic collections contain prints, though some also have negatives or slides.
- Civil War Collection: This collection is retained and cared for because of a promise made to the Slusser family, though it does not directly support our mission. It contains paper artifacts, photographs, and 3-D objects.
Learn more about the collection
To learn more about what we have in our archives, and how to research at the Slusser, click here.
Access material in the Archives
Most material in the Archives Collection is available for viewing and studying in the reading room. Archival material is not available for checkout.
Full Archives Collection Management Policy
This document explains the Archives Collection’s purpose, scope, acquisition, accession, loans, care, and use policies.
Services offered at the Slusser Library
The Peggy J. Slusser Philatelic Library prioritizes connecting people with information through a variety of print, visual, and electronic resources in order to support the work of philatelists, historians, genealogists, and the general public.
Reading and researching on-site
The reading room is open to the general public; you need not be a member to read and research in the library. This includes material from the Library, Archives, and Museum Collections (some restrictions may apply).
Remote research
When a patron is not able to access the facilities on-site, the librarian can research for you in our library and archives for up to 30 minutes at a time, more when time permits. This service is free of charge.
This research may lead to the librarian scanning or photocopying items for you. Please see that block for more information.
You may also want to try some online research of your own!
Photocopying / scanning
The librarian can photocopy or scan items (copyright laws apply). Large amounts of copying or scanning may not be possible.
Whenever possible, the photocopying or scanning is free of charge, as part of our service to you. If for any reason a charge needs to be applied, we will contact you first before beginning copying or scanning.
Scans will be emailed directly to you. Photocopies may be mailed or picked up.
Book check-out
Local (Tucson-area) Postal History Foundation members in good standing may check out up to five books for one month. Journals, maps, ephemera, rare, archival and museum material are not available for checkout. The current year’s Scott Catalogues are also not available for check out, but recent previous years are (restricted to two volumes per patron at a time).
How can we help you?
Contact the librarian with your questions or requests.
View the library’s annual reports to the membership here:
Telephone No.520-623-6652
