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How many times have you wished you had an “automobile encyclopedia”

at your fingertips to answer a question about exactly what color engine was in the restoration project you are working on?  Or maybe you went to a car show and saw something that struck you as being just not quite right but you want to be sure.  Relax, there is a place where you can find out almost anything you want to know about vehicles.  You can pick up the telephone and be in touch with the knowledgeable, efficient and pleasant employees at AACA’s LRC.

     It was formed in 1977 when AACA purchased the collection of the late Alfred Lewerenz.  In 1981, it was incorporated as a 501(c) (3) and began fundraising efforts to erect an addition to the National Head-quarters building in Hershey, PA.  Presently,  it houses over 6,000 books and hundreds of thousands of auto, motorcycle and truck documents that can be accessed.

     Late last year, the Library received as a permanent collection the research archives of the late Ralph Dunwoodie which he assembled during his career in automotive research.  The compilation consists of copies of periodical articles on cars, coachbuilders and automotive technology from 1895 to 1985.  The collected works remain the property of the Society of Automotive Historians and is designated as the Ralph H. Dunwoodie Research Archives.

     The library also houses collections of the Pontiac-Oakland Club International, the Lincoln Motor Car Foundation, the Bus Museum and the Society for the Preservation and Appreciation of the Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America.

     The interior of the building is in three levels.  The main entrance level has a display of some of the vehicles donated to and owned by the library.  Also in the entrance level room are large display cases for any member’s collections to be shown as well as some special pieces donated by members.

     Steps then lead up to an open area where the space-saving movable stacks that hold the collection of automotive and vehicle literature for all makes of cars are located.  This is reference material that has been donated as well as bought by the library for its value and use.  Along with these files, there are flat files, a card catalog and work centers for the staff as well as tables and chairs for those who come in to do research.  This is the area for the computers, phones and copy machines necessary to disseminate the research requests.  The side wall is filled with a beautiful mural of the “old days” of driving what we now call our antique cars.

     There is a lower level which houses a workroom and files for several marquee clubs who pay for storing their material and having it accessible to their membership.

     AACA is fortunate to have Kim (Miller) Gardner, who was hired over 29 years ago to be the Librarian.  She is a graduate librarian and acknowledged to be one of the premier automotive librarians in the country.

     In early 2005, a grant made possible by Hagerty Insurance named the Collector Foundation, a non-profit corporation designed to serve the long-term interests and passion of collector vehicles and classic boat hobbies approved a $100,000 dollar-for-dollar matching challenge grant to the LRC which continues for five years.    The grant is designed to encourage members and friends of the facility to help the library place its resources online, making its expansive resources available to auto enthusiasts around the world.

     The AACA Library has never been in debt.  It is a very well thought out financial environment; nothing is ever spent before the funds are in the bank.  At times, money was scarce but members and friends came through.  Contributions can be in the form of a memorial, an honorarium or a general donation, all of which are tax deductible.  It may be in actual money, reference material or a donation of something the Library can sell for income. You can designate where you want your contribution to be placed:  the Endowment Fund, the Collector Foundation Matching Grant or General Operations.  Any amount is greatly appreciated and will be graciously received.

     Donations/contributions can be sent to:  AACA Library and Research Center, 501 West Governor Road, Hershey, PA  17033.