2000 Library, New York, First Day Cover

[LIB11009] A First Day Cover (FDC) is an envelope or card bearing a stamp which is cancelled on the day the stamp is initially placed on sale by the postal authorities.

1974 Bibliotheque Nationale Saigon, Vietnam

First day of issue, April 14, 1974.
[LIB3112]

1972 American Philatelic Society Research Library, State College PA

Dedication Day, September 12, 1972
[LIB3111]

First Day of Issue: Library of Congress 1982

"A national treasure filled with the spiritual and traditional wealth of our nation."

[LIB1654]

First Day of Issue: Saluting America's Libraries

This is a First Day of Issue from 1982. A first day cover (FDC) is an envelope where the postage stamps have been canceled on their first day of issue. Depending on the policy of the nation issuing the stamp, official first day postmarks may sometimes be applied to covers weeks or months after the date indicated. [Wikipedia]

I have included it on this site because the design is exquisite and the craftsmanship is superb. The illustration really captures the look of a library, pre-computer era. Also noteworthy, is the wording on the 20 cent stamp: "America's Libraries: Legacies to Mankind" Technically, this area of postal history may be considered "philately" or the study of stamps.

[FDC01172]