The TDC Library began with a simple yet meaningful gesture. In the mid-1990s, a TDC member reached out, offering to donate his collection of typography-related books. This generous offer sparked an idea: “Let’s start a library.” With just a small set of shelves, the TDC Library was born.
Type Library
A Living Archive of Typography
by Carol Wahler, Executive Director
The TDC Library began with a simple yet meaningful gesture. In the mid-1990s, a TDC member reached out, offering to donate his collection of typography-related books. This generous offer sparked an idea: “Let’s start a library.” With just a small set of shelves, the TDC Library was born.
In 1999, Steve Byers from Linotype added to our growing collection by donating three beautiful antique bookcases and a reading table once used by the legendary W.A. Dwiggins. We had the space, and of course, we said yes! These treasures arrived in May of that year, giving the library both character and a sense of historical continuity.
Over the years, the library grew organically through the generosity of both TDC members and non-members—designers, educators, and enthusiasts—who donated books as they retired, relocated, or simply wanted to share their passion for typography. By 2003, when we moved to 127 West 25th Street, our library had expanded significantly. I had the privilege of working alongside Klaus F. Schmidt, a TDC past president and former senior vice president at Young & Rubicam, to organize and categorize over 1,500 books.
In 1999, Steve Byers from Linotype added to our growing collection by donating three beautiful antique bookcases and a reading table once used by the legendary W.A. Dwiggins. We had the space, and of course, we said yes! These treasures arrived in May of that year, giving the library both character and a sense of historical continuity.
Over the years, the library grew organically through the generosity of both TDC members and non-members—designers, educators, and enthusiasts—who donated books as they retired, relocated, or simply wanted to share their passion for typography. By 2003, when we moved to 127 West 25th Street, our library had expanded significantly. I had the privilege of working alongside Klaus F. Schmidt, a TDC past president and former senior vice president at Young & Rubicam, to organize and categorize over 1,500 books.
In 2008, we relocated again to 347 West 36th Street. Unfortunately, space constraints meant we had to part with the beloved antique bookcases, but the library lived on, tucked into the shelves of my office—a testament to its resilience.
When TDC merged with The One Club for Creativity in 2020, we faced another challenge: there was no space for the library, and 86 boxes of books went into storage. But typography has a way of finding its place. Thanks to TDC Advisory Board member Jolene Delisle of The Working Assembly, the library found a new home at their offices at 6 West 18th Street, 6th Floor.
Today, the TDC Library stands as a vibrant resource for typographic research, education, and inspiration. It’s open to the public—not just TDC members—during weekday business hours. Whether you’re a designer, educator, student, or simply a lover of type, you’re welcome to explore this collection that reflects the rich, evolving story of typography.
Additionally, thanks to the efforts of TDC member YuJune Park and TDC Past President Paul Carlos, The New School now houses the TDC Archives, which includes 50 selected books from the library—ensuring that our typographic legacy continues to inspire future generations.