Discover and Share
The Henry S. Hall Jr. American Alpine Club Library provides you with all the information you could ever want on mountain culture and climbing routes. Located in Golden, Colorado, we're able to help you find the information you're looking for even if you're across the globe.
Search the catalog!
Established in 1916, the AAC Library is one of the oldest alpine libraries in the United States. We have a collection of more than 20,000 books and videos devoted to mountaineering, alpinism, rock climbing, ice climbing, and bouldering. Rare and non-circulating collections include
- The AAC archives
- John M. Boyle Himalayan Library
- Manuscript collections
- Photographs
- Rare books dating back to the 16th century
The Library focuses on American and foreign guidebooks, mountain regions everywhere, including Mount Everest and the Himalayas, and the Alps. Our mission as climbing's cultural heritage archive is to preserve mountaineering history. The collection includes nearly 600 journals and magazines from all over the world, and over 500 videos and DVDs. The entire collection is cataloged online so you can easily find what you're looking for and have us mail the books and videos to you.
As an AAC member or Friend of the Library, you can borrow up to ten books and five videos 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.
Having trouble finding the information you're looking for? Our staff and volunteers are happy to do the research for you. Be sure to check our policies and research rates.
How To Log In to the Library Catalog
We've been upgrading our database which has temporarily made access more difficult for our members. If you're unable to search our catalog, use the following steps:
- Go to the AAC Homepage http://americanalpineclub.org
- Go to Login
- Click Forgot Password and use the email address you associated with your AAC profile.
- Once you receive your new temporary password, go back to the AAC website, log in and change your password. You can use your old password again if you want.
- This should then automatically change your password in the library catalog, so you can go to http://booksearch.americanalpineclub.org and log in with your email address and AAC password.
If you are having trouble, give us a call at the library at 303-384-0112 or email us.
Location and Hours
American Alpine Club Library
710 Tenth St. Ste. 15
Golden, CO 80401
Phone: 303.384.0112
Sunday and Monday (closed)
Tuesday (12-7pm)
Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday (12-5pm). Friday (10am-3pm)
American Alpine Club Library History
John M. Boyle Himalayan Library
How to Support the Library
Become a Volunteer
The Library enjoys volunteer help from club members and library Friends. Recently members have helped to organize the map collection, process inventory rare books, and process archive materials. If you want to lend a hand, please contact us by phone, (303) 384-0112, or email us at library@americanalpineclub.org.
Become an AAC Member
Your AAC membership helps support the library while giving you access to our catalog. Search for want you want online and we'll ship guidebooks, videos, or other books to you for free.
Become a Friend of the Library
FOL memberships allow access to the library services, such as book and dvd checkout, checkout services by mail, and discounts on research fees, but are not full AAC memberships. An FOL membership is a great gift at $50 for people that are interested in the humanities aspects of mountain cultures and studies but are not climbers themselves. Use our contact form here and select "General Membership" if you're interested in becoming a Friend of the Library.
Buy Some Books
The AAC sells duplicate books in a variety of ways, all of which benefit the Library.
- We add select books to the AAC Online Store.
- Some of our books are also sold through Top of the World Books. You can see the catalog online here. Every purchase sends a percentage to the AAC Library.
- We usually have $1 and $2 books and magazines for sale in the library.
Donate Your Collection
Much of our catalog archive has been donated to us from private collections. If you'd like to help grow the climbing community with your collection legacy, get all the details here. We also appreciate the donation of new guidebooks and are grateful to our Media Partners.
Adopt a Collection
Much of our material needs extra funds in order to keep it preserved. To help us ensure that our collection is preserved for the next generation of climbers, adopt a collection here.
Donate to the AAC Library
The AAC Library appreciates donations of newer books, videos, and archival items related to mountaineering, rock climbing, mountain culture, and the environment. Please contact the Library staff before sending any materials.
Your donation will help us acquire material, care for the collection, and make these resources accessible to the mountaineering community. When you click on the Donate button, be sure to select "Library" as your fund of choice. Thank you!
