Our Online Collection
The HSPL is noted for:
The best B.N.A. reference collection in the world
A significant collection of early Canadian philatelic journals in OCR searchable format
A comprehensive collection of Canadian auction catalogues
Historical runs of selected auction catalogues
Research collections from important Canadian philatelists
Historical collection of prospectus for International and Canadian stamp exhibitions
Lending policy
We have a 6-week borrowing period for items in our circulating collection, though we also have areference collection that is for in-library use only. The HSPL does not provide an interlibrary loan service.
Requesting books by mail
Anyone living in Canada can request books from us. Requesters are responsible to pay both the incoming and outgoing shipping. If you wish to borrow items via mail please contact us at library@greenefoundation.ca regarding payment and availability of items.
Can’t find what you are looking for?
Contact our librarian - library@greenefoundation.ca
If you have any reference requests please do not hesitate to reach out to us via email. We are happy to point you towards potential resources or provide scans when possible.
Office & Library Hours
The Greene Foundation Office and the Harry Sutherland Philatelic Library are open during the following times:
Monday | 10 am - 4 pm
Tuesday | 10 am - 4 pm
Wednesday | 10 am - 4 pm Office Open - Library Closed
Thursday | 10 am - 4 pm
Friday | Closed
Saturday | Closed
Sunday | Closed
10 Summerhill Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4T 1A8
About the Library
The Harry Sutherland Philatelic Library at the Vincent Graves Greene Philatelic Research Foundation aims to support the work of the Greene Foundation and philately in Canada by:
Providing a comprehensive collection of items relating to British North American and Canadian philately;
Providing an up-to-date collection of items relating to expertizing, frauds and forgeries;
Supporting the basic needs of the Canadian philatelic community with definitive works on important collecting areas and the most recent general catalogues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click each question below to expand.
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Yes. Anyone may visit the library (free of charge) for research purposes between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. If you require research assistance please email library@greenefoundation.ca in advance of your visit so the library staff can better assist you.
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When visiting us, please press the white doorbell next to the glass door on the south side of the building under the black awning which reads: “10 Summerhill Avenue The Greene Foundation.” One of us will come let you in.
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Yes. Email library@greenefoundation.ca with your reference request and we will do our best to assist you in your research free of charge.
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Yes. Many of the items in our collection can be checked out, though we do have a robust reference collection that is for in-library use only. We have a 6-week borrowing period for items in our circulating collection. Items can be checked out when you visit the library in person or you can request that items are shipped to you anywhere in Canada.
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Requesters are responsible to pay both the incoming and outgoing shipping. Users are also required to pay for any lost or damaged material. If you wish to borrow items via mail please contact us at library@greenefoundation.ca regarding payment and availability of items.
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Yes, we have extensive holdings of non-BNA material, most of which has been donated to the library by collectors.
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Yes. A searchable catalogue of the entire holdings including rare books and expert committee reference items is available. Also check out our online Digital Resources Hub for links to online philatelic resources.
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The HSPL does not provide an interlibrary loan service. Some material is available for circulation within Canada to members of philatelic groups. Arrangements for photocopying or scanning of items might be possible. Please contract us for more information at library@greenefoundation.ca
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The library will always gratefully receive financial donations. If you have books or media that you would like to donate to us, please visit the donations page on our website or reach out via email (library@greenefoundation.ca) with an itemized list of these materials for our review. We have limited space and cannot accept all items, but donations are appreciated.