The National Toy Train Library

The National Toy Train Library (NTTL) is the repository of extensive material about the toy train industry’s rich history—an excellent resource for Train Collectors Association (TCA) members and general researchers alike. The National Toy Train Museum and Library are located at the headquarters of the Train Collectors Association in Strasburg, PA. Our librarian is available to assist you during our regular hours but please call ahead before visiting the library. Or, browse our online catalog today!

2023 Featured Library Exhibit

Ives Manufacturing Company in Patents

This year’s exhibit examines the Ives Manufacturing Company through its extensive patents. The Ives Company had over 50 patents during the life of the toy train manufacturer, from the train itself to the tiniest detail on the train and its accessories. Our exhibit displays our never before seen collection of patents and the beautiful trains and accessories that those patents present.

What’s In the Library?

Our library houses a unique collection of information on the history and characteristics of toy trains in the United States and elsewhere. We are a research library and do not lend materials. This means we safeguard a cultural and commercial heritage of toy trains and the significant industry that produced them—though we are always happy to share our resources and knowledge with our visitors!

It’s More Than Just Books About Toy Trains

We have over 500,000 items, ranging from popular publications such as Classic Toy Trains magazine to catalogs and related paper, instruction sheets, advertisements, photographs, and more. We seek to document and preserve the story not just of nostalgia but of historical development of toy trains.

Our files on American and World manufacturers as well as our extensive book collection trace the history of toy and model trains from the 1800s to the present.  (The National Toy Train Library also maintains copies of price guides for a number of popular manufacturers; however, we cannot provide appraisals or evaluations.)

To acquire and preserve paper and ephemera relating to toy trains, to guarantee its current and future use; and to provide open access to the collection for research and studies.

Our Mission

Visit Us!

The National Toy Train Museum and Library are located at the headquarters of the Train Collectors Association in Strasburg, PA. Our librarian is available to assist you, but please call ahead to make an appointment to visit the library. We invite all toy and model train enthusiasts – including kids – to stop in and see what we have to offer. Please see the National Toy Train Museum’s yearly calendar for their open hours and seasonal schedule.

Attention Researchers: We encourage you to call ahead to make an appointment to set up a research consultation meeting with the library. (717) 687-8623 ext. 108

And don’t forget to follow the National Toy Train Library on Facebook!

Have a Question?

Ask the Library

The National Toy Train Library is overseen by a librarian and a committee of volunteers, who specialize in toy trains from various manufacturers and time periods. The Library is always happy to assist researchers and TCA members both in the physical library and with questions submitted online.

Call (717) 687-8623 ext. 108 or email with questions.