The Private Libraries Association (PLA) came into being in 1956 when 18-year-old Philip Ward wrote a letter to the ''
Observer
An observer is one who engages in observation or in watching an experiment.
Observer may also refer to:
Computer science and information theory
* In information theory, any system which receives information from an object
* State observer in co ...
'' inviting booklovers and
book collectors to attend a meeting to discuss the setting up of an association whose aims would be:-
*To help readers in the organisation, cataloguing and fuller enjoyment of their personal collections;
*To cover every subject field by voluntary organised specialisation, and to record locations for loans.
Although the membership has always included distinguished experts, it largely consists of ordinary collectors who share their enthusiasms and their knowledge. Since its foundation, the PLA has published a quarterly journal, originally called ''P.L.A. Quarterly'' but quickly renamed (from 1958) ''The Private Library''; since Spring 1968, the journal has appeared in a standard format of some 40-50 pages containing two or three illustrated articles. It also publishes a members’ book every year or two years. The articles and books are written by members and cover a wide range of subjects – classic fine printing and modern
private presses, modern
small presses and
children's books
A child ( : children) is a human being between the stages of birth and puberty, or between the developmental period of infancy and puberty. The legal definition of ''child'' generally refers to a minor, otherwise known as a person younge ...
,
illustrators and
publishers, famous books and the history of
printing
Printing is a process for mass reproducing text and images using a master form or template. The earliest non-paper products involving printing include cylinder seals and objects such as the Cyrus Cylinder and the Cylinders of Nabonidus. The ...
,
bookplates and
bookbinding,
bookselling, etc.. Details of the books and ''the Private Library'' can be found on the association’s website.
The website of the Private Libraries Association
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The current Chairman of the Association is James Freemantle.
References
{{Authority control
Book and manuscript collectors
Book arts
Book collecting
Organizations established in 1958