AAC Library
The Henry S. Hall Jr. American Alpine Club Library houses one of the world’s finest collections of mountain-related artifacts, archives, rare books, maps, and media. A climbing bibliophile’s dream, the library contains more than 60,000 books and all the information you could ever want on mountain history, mountain culture, climbing routes, and more.
The AAC Library’s physical location is currently closed for an extensive inventory and preparation for an eventual move to a new location. We will continue to circulate materials through the mail. As an AAC member, you can borrow up to ten items (5 videos at a time) for 35 days. Not a member? Join today!
For any inquiries, please email library@americanalpineclub.org or call 303-384-0112.
*Researcher access by appointment only. (Review policies in FAQs)
2025 AAC Library Impact
112
Research projects supported by American Alpine Club librarians.
Accessing the Library Catalog
Whether you are interested in checking out a guidebook for a trip, getting inspired by some climbing literature, or exploring our archives for your original research, our library is an incredible resource for everyday climbers, first ascensionists researching their dream route, and mountain-focused researchers and writers.
Only books are cataloged. If you are searching for archival materials or objects, please email the Library Staff at library@americanalpineclub.org.
FAQs
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Borrowing
Borrowing from the Library Members of the American Alpine Club and Friends of the American Alpine Club Library have circulation privileges. You can borrow up to ten items (maximum 5 audiovisual items) for 35 days. For members outside the Golden area, the library staff will ship requested materials to you for free (within the United States); borrowers pay return postage and insurance. _____________________________________________________Terms of Use
The library is a knowledge resource for the climbing community. The integrity of the collection requires the good will and commitment of borrowers to return material in a timely manner. Books and videos overdue by 28 days after the due date are assumed lost. The library reserves the right to assess lost material charges if items are not returned due to the limited print runs of many mountaineering books in the collection and other unique features of this library. If we are unable to collect the lost book or video charges for any reason, a member or Library Friend immediately loses library privileges and will also lose his/her membership. Continuous abuse will result in lost privileges._____________________________________________________
AAC Library Copyright Statement
Permission to examine manuscripts and photographs (Materials) is not an authorization to publish. If the text or image in question is under copyright, permission to publish should be sought from the owners of the rights, typically the creator or the heirs to his or her estate. The Library may be able to assist in identifying the copyright holders. It is the responsibility of the applicant to obtain permission to publish from the copyright owner to reproduce the Materials. The American Alpine Club Library (AACL) assumes no responsibility for its patrons' infraction of copyright laws, invasion of privacy, or any other improper or illegal use that may arise from reproduction of any image. The AACL and its agents shall be held harmless against any and all claims arising or resulting from the illegal use or duplication of its Materials. AACL does not permit news media to copy its Materials for use in newscasts or newspaper articles unless permission has been obtained from the copyright holder._____________________________________________________
Reproduction Policies and Procedures
Rare books or fragile material may be reproduced only by staff. Patron is responsible for securing copyright permission on all materials he or she is considering for publication. Refer to Copyright Term and the Public Domain in the United States, Section 108 of the U.S. Copyright Code, and your publisher for assistance. There are no on-site facilities for reproduction of oversize materials or for production of photographic materials. Special arrangements may be made at the discretion of the Library Director, with all associated costs paid by Patron.Please be advised that we cannot copy or scan more than 10% of a published work, due to copyright restrictions.
Photocopies: Patrons may use the self-service copier to make copies of materials from the Main Stacks for their own study and research. Charge of 10 cents/page. For off-site requests, see Scan & Scanning Fees below.
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Scans & Scanning Fees
Library staff will scan materials. Original must be under 11 x 17". Output will be low-resolution JPG files, or PDF files. PDFs and JPGs will be delivered as email attachments, unless otherwise specified. Licensing fees and agreements are required for all high-resolution scan requests.AAC Library Scanning Fee Schedule
Image/Manuscript Scan: $25 (per image)
Book/Journal Scan: $20 (up to 10 pages)
Additional Pages: $1 (per page over 10)
“Frequent Flyer” Scan Package: $200 (unlimited scans for 1 year*)
AAC members receive 20% off library scanning services.
*”Frequent Flyer” scan package is still subject to all licensing fees and contracts.
Please contact AAC Library Staff at 303-384-0112 or library@americanalpineclub.org regarding commercial use fees.
_____________________________________________________Please contact the AAC Library at (303) 384-0112 or library@americanalpineclub.org with any questions
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First-time users must contact the Library Staff to create a library account.
If you already have a library account, go to booksearch.americanalpineclub.org and login to your account either on the left side or in the top right corner.If you are having trouble, give us a call at the library at 303-384-0112 or email us.
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Although the library is not currently accepting collection donations, you may support the library with a regular donation at any time.
Donate today!
Explore the Library—Legacy Series
The American Alpine Club’s Legacy Series pays tribute to the visionary climbers who made the sport what it is today and stands as a commitment to securing their legacies. The 10+ year project collected over 70 recorded interviews to be preserved in the American Alpine Club’s Library for future generations to enjoy.
Stories from the Archive
Contact the AAC Library
For any inquiries, please email library@americanalpineclub.org or call 303-384-0112.
Library Address
710 Tenth Street, Suite 15
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 384-0112
*Researchers: please review our policies by clicking here.
