AAVSO Library

The C. Y. McAteer Library

Charles Y. McAteer, Variable Star Observer and Founding Member of the AAVSO. (1865-1924)

The library was first organized in 1918. It was founded as the result of the acquisition by Mr. McAteer -- a locomotive engineer who was a pioneer AAVSO member, and its first librarian -- of a set of books and pamphlets from the estate of telescope maker Dr. John A. Brashear of Pittsburgh.

Numerous individual gifts were made from time to time over the years, notably those of AAVSO co-founder William Tyler Olcott. In 1925, the library (then housed at the Harvard College Observatory) was officially named "The C. Y. McAteer Circulating Library of the AAVSO."

The library's collection of astronomy literature, scientific papers, and biographical works is a wealth of information for students of astronomy. Of special importance in the collection are the thousands of records of astronomical observations (and their hand-plotted light-curves) made over many decades. Likewise, the hundreds of books and journals of current scientific interest are of great value to anyone who wishes to explore the latest ideas in astronomy. The AAVSO is especially happy to answer the questions of young star-gazers -- the library has a small, but wide-ranging collection of introductory works and field guides.

Celebrating its 90th Anniversary in 2001, the American Association of Variable Star Observers continues to expand its collection of astronomical publications. The AAVSO exchanges scientific literature with observatories, universities, and amateur organizations all over the world. The AAVSO's history of dedication to the role of the layman in science has resulted in what is perhaps one of the most complete collection of published materials written by and for the amateur astronomer.

Profile of Charles Y. McAteer