The American Alpine Club Library was established in 1916 to preserve the history and culture of climbing. Members can check out 20K books via the mail. We are working to put our thousands of rare books and archives online.
Established in 1916, the AAC Library is one of the oldest alpine libraries in the United States and likely holds the largest collection of mountaineering-related books in the world.
The AAC Library was initially housed in the New York Public Library until 1929. It moved locations twice before settling into the AAC's new headquarters in a remodeled firehouse in Manhattan at 113 East 90th Street in 1946. There we remained until the mid-1990s when we moved to Golden and our present location.
We have a circulating collection of more than 20,000 books and videos devoted to all aspects of mountaineering or alpinism, including rock climbing, ice climbing, bouldering, hiking and skiing. Our special collections and archives include thousands of photographs, artifacts and manuscripts as well as over 35,000 books.
We also maintain and provide access to the Colorado Mountain Club Archives.
AAC Members can borrow up to 10 items (5 videos at a time) for 28 days. For members outside the Golden area, library staff will mail you the guidebooks, videos, or other books for free (within the US). The only cost to you is the return postage and shipping insurance.
