The American Alpine Club Library, established in 1916, is one of the oldest alpine research special collections in the U.S. Because of the longevity and status of The American Alpine Club, the Library has received many rare and valuable mountaineering books, photos, and maps from all over the world. The AAC Library has books signed by Everest, Mallory, Bonington, and many of the leading climbers past and present.

Unfortunately, many of our treasures are in desperate need of restoration and preservation. The Library has a special rare books room that holds these books at optimal temperature and humidity, but additional work needs to be done so these one-of-a-kind items are not lost forever.

In addition to restoration and cataloging the collection, the Library also needs to continually acquire new materials. Many mountaineering books have limited print runs and are available only briefly. Exciting recent acquisitions have included many new international guidebooks and even such a rare treasure as the first named map of Mt. Everest from The Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, 1857.

Since many of these projects require more funds than are provided by the Library's standard revenue sources, we especially need your help.

Friends of the Library recognize that the Library is an indispensable part of the climbing community, and is a very unique resource that must be nourished and supported. With your membership, you will receive a special quarterly newsletter listing new acquisitions and library news, and discounts on research time.

This is your sport and your passion. Your contribution expands and preserves mountaineering literature for future climbers.

The American Alpine Club Library is truly a special collection of 18,000 books and over 200 journal titles devoted to mountaineering and rock climbing. We have materials that are not commonly found in public libraries or even college libraries. There are many unique titles - everything from mountaineering history to international and national guidebooks. We also house the collection of the Colorado Mountain Club. Members of The American Alpine Club and Colorado Mountain Club have full lending privileges at the Library. Members of the public are welcome to do research at the Library.

Research

The Library has a staff of two full-time people to assist you with research, which can include route information as well as historical research. Call the Library for current research fees. Members can call or e-mail the Library. Members of the press or public can also request fee-based research.

Out-of State Use

You don't need to live in Colorado to use the AAC Library. Just email us at library@americanalpineclub.org or call 303-384-0112 for your information needs. The cost of shipping books is paid by the Library; the patron must pay return postage. We loan books and videos for one month.

Maps

The American Alpine Club Library has approximately 3,000 older maps of various mountain regions of the world. This collection currently needs to be organized and cataloged.

Videos

The American Alpine Club Library has over 350 videos available for circulation to members. These videos cover a wide range of topics from expedition films to climbing techniques and even climbing films.

Rare Books

The Library also has a rare books room, and a Himalayan Library of over 2,000 books on the 8000-meter peaks. These books include signed books by Sir George Everest, George Mallory, and other top mountaineers.