About the Platform

The Letter Library is part of the typography network of Schriftkontor Ralf Herrmann with 20 years of experience in running educational typography websites.

After the public release in August 2023, anyone can now create an account to explore the archive, add information or scans, ask questions, get in touch with libraries and collectors and so on. All content will be curated by experts to ensure consistence and correctness. Accounts can be set up for invidual users or in the name of organizations.

Access to the type specimen data is free. Only hi-res download are limited to paid accounts.

The Letter Library can be used by groups such as:

• design students who want to learn about font and graphic design styles

• type designers who want to study or revive letterpress fonts

• researchers in fields such as cultural studies, history and design

• and anyone who enjoys typography and letterforms

The focus of this online archive is on type specimens issued by type foundries. We create a catalog of all publications in this area: printed type specimens, PDF type specimens and videos.

Related content, like typeface ads, font pictures, sketches and other production materials are collected in the Stacks section.

Information about type specimens and scans of type specimens are scattered across the internet. The goal of the Letter Library is to bring the information and materials together in one place, so they can be properly searched, studied and preserved. To achieve this, the Letter Library will partner with libraries, archives, museums and private collectors who can make information about their type specimens or the type specimens themselves accessible through our website.