AACA Librarian Helps Car Buffs

Kim is the librarian for the Antique Automobile Club of America. She works at the AACA Library in Hershey, Pennsylvania. She’s worked there for 25 years. When she started, the library filled three rooms on the second floor of the AACA National Headquarters and additional material was stored in the attic and basement. That was then and this is now. Thanks to Kim’s efforts and the AACA National Board’s support, the books and literature in the collection were turned into a valuable asset for hobbyists, historians and restorers. In 1985, ground was broken for the first-class library facility that exists today.

In addition to materials gathered and donated by AACA members, the library holds the archives of SPAAMFAA (a fire truck club), the Pontiac-Oakland Club International library, the Museum of Bus Transportation Collection and the Society of Automotive Historians’ Ralph H. Dunwoodie Research Archives.

The library makes available an extensive collection of early automotive books, periodicals, catalogs and other materials, as well as a fine collection of books on collector cars. A microfilm reader-printer is provided for use by researchers digging into technical or historical information. A mail-order photocopy service is available too.

AACA Library & Research Center Policies

• Library hours are 8:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., Monday – Friday.
• All Library users are required to leave a driver’s license, credit card or other acceptable identification with the librarian while using library materials. Identification is returned when you’re through with the materials.
• The “stacks” aren’t open to anyone other than the Library staff.
• NO library materials will be available for circulation under any circumstances.
• A Research Request form should be used for all mail inquiries. You’ll receive an order form outlining the materials available and related costs. After being filled out and returned, it will authorize the librarian to proceed with copies, etc. Payment for services and research fees must accompany the return of the order form.

If you’re planning on a trip to the Hershey area, ckeck out the library. You can contact them at 717-534-2082 or www.aacalibrary.org.

John “Gunner” Gunnell is the automotive books editor at Krause Publications in Iola, Wis.