Peggy J. Slusser Philatelic Library

Philatelic Research Library

Visiting the Slusser Library

The Peggy J. Slusser Memorial Philatelic Library was made possible through the generous gift of Blaine and Bessie Slusser in memory of their daughter, Peggy. Today, the library honors her memory by supporting research, discovery, and lifelong learning through its collections of philatelic, postal history, and related materials. Learn more about Peggy Slusser and the history of the library.

The Peggy J. Slusser Philatelic Library operates during the same days and hours as the National Postal Education Center. Local members in good standing may check out eligible materials. View our Reading Room Policies (PDF).

We recommend calling ahead at 520-623-6652 ext. 107, especially for complex research questions or requests that may require materials to be retrieved in advance. The library may also be closed during scheduled field trips, tours, meetings, or other programs. Please check our calendar before visiting.

The Slusser Library is part of the National Postal Education Center and is located in a separate building on our property. Follow our general directions to the Center. From the rear parking lot, enter through the gateway into the courtyard. The library is located on the right.

Our Collections

The Peggy J. Slusser Philatelic Library maintains two primary collections: the Library Collection and the Archives Collection.

Library Collection

The Library Collection focuses primarily on philately and postal history, with supplemental materials covering subjects such as Arizona, transportation, and history.

Materials in the Library Collection include:

Monographs
Descriptive and pricing catalogs
Auction catalogs
Post office publications
Journals and magazines
Maps
Ephemera

Discover our holdings

To explore our holdings, search our online library catalogs.

Access the Library Collection

Library Collection materials may be used by anyone in the reading room. Many circulating materials are also available for checkout to local members in good standing.

Library Collection Management Policy

This document explains the Library Collection’s purpose, scope, acquisition, criteria for retention and weeding, loans, care, and use policies.

Read here

Archives Collection

The Archives Collection primarily contains materials related to Arizona philately and postal history. It also includes United States Post Office documents and materials documenting the history of the National Postal Education Center, formerly known as the Postal History Foundation, and its members.

Sub-collections in the Archival Collection:

Manuscript Collections: Include research notes, covers, correspondence, paper artifacts, and other materials.
Photographic Collections: Primarily contain photographic prints, with some collections also including negatives or slides.
Civil War Collection: Includes paper artifacts, photographs, and three-dimensional objects related to the Civil War.

Learn More About the Archives

To learn more about our archival holdings and researching at the Slusser Library, visit our Archives Collection page.

Access the Archives Collection

Most materials in the Archives Collection are available for viewing and research in the reading room. Archival materials are not available for checkout.

Archives Collection Management Policy

This document explains the Archives Collection’s purpose, scope, acquisition, accessioning, loans, care, and use policies.

Read here

Services Offered at the Slusser Library

The Peggy J. Slusser Philatelic Library connects people with information through print, visual, and electronic resources supporting the research of philatelists, historians, genealogists, and the general public.

Reading and researching on-site

The reading room is open to the general public. You do not need to be a member to use the library for reading and research. Materials from the Library, Archives, and Museum Collections may be available for research, although some restrictions may apply.

Remote research

If you are unable to visit in person, library staff can provide up to 30 minutes of research assistance using materials in our library and archives, with additional research provided when time permits. This service is free of charge.

Research requests may involve scanning or photocopying materials. See the Photocopying and Scanning section below for more information.

You may also find the following resources helpful for conducting your own research:

Photocopying and Scanning

Library staff can photocopy or scan materials when permitted by copyright law and the condition of the materials. Large copying or scanning requests may not always be possible.

Whenever possible, photocopying and scanning are provided free of charge as part of our research services. If a fee is necessary, we will contact you before completing the request.

Scans can be sent by email. Photocopies may be mailed or picked up at the Slusser Library.

Book Checkout

Local (Tucson-area) National Postal Education Center members in good standing may check out up to five books for one month. Journals, maps, ephemera, rare materials, archival materials, and museum materials are not available for checkout.
The current year’s Scott Catalogues are available for use in the library but may not be checked out. Recent previous editions may be checked out, with a limit of two volumes per patron at a time.