Calling all bibliophiles, wisdom seekers, and preservationists!

The Philosophical Research Society is looking for stewards who share our commitment to preserving a living archive of human wisdom — and the singular building that houses it.
The heavy rains and ongoing threat of fire in Los Angeles have created an urgent need for action.

This year, we are raising $100,000 to replace the roof and original skylights over the library and lecture room — repairs that are critical to protecting both the historic landmark building and the precious collection of books and artwork within its walls.

An anonymous donor has generously committed a $25,000 matching grant for any donations received during the month of JUNE & JULY! We now turn to members of the PRS community who can help us raise the remaining $75,000.
​It is through your stewardship that we can care for this dear building and collection — and keep its doors open to all who seek wisdom.

The PRS Library is not just a museum. It is a living library — its doors are open to all who seek new ways of understanding and finding meaning in our world.

​The 30,000 volume collection illuminates how ancient ideas continue to make a difference in lives today: as inspiration for art, as a foundation for inquiry, as a gathering place for community. It is a space for students, scholars, artists, mystics, and all seekers. Each year, the library receives over 2,000 visitors and hosts more than 100 events — lectures, art exhibitions, reading groups, and community conversations sparked by the energy of the collection.

The Library Is the Heart of PRS

Long before PRS had a campus, it had a library — or rather, a quest for one.

In the 1920s, a young Manly P. Hall began traveling the world in search of source texts and early printed works that explored humanity's wisdom traditions: alchemy and astrology, ancient mythology and mysticism, Eastern philosophy and Western esotericism. It was his aim that this collection would form the nucleus of a permanent community library. A living library filled with books and art that illuminates how to live in harmony with ourselves, our communities, and the wider world.

​For over sixty years, Mr. Hall collected books to add to the PRS collection. Important to the collection were esoteric art and source materials. He journeyed to India, China, Japan, Egypt, Europe and Mexico — acquiring rare manuscripts, early printed works, and photographs that revealed the great symbolism found in many spiritual lineages and provide a foundation for us in our lives today. Each volume he brought home was a small act of preservation.

​Together, they became something extraordinary. A home for a community of seekers. 

​Repairing the Roof and Skylights

By helping us repair the library's roof and original skylights, your donation ensures the library collection remains safe and is open to the public for years to come.

All gifts are fully tax-deductible! Every contribution, at every level, directly supports the preservation of this irreplaceable collection.

​ Donate and receive....

  • $25 - an invitation to attend a free group tour of PRS, and our lasting gratitude
  • $150 - all of the above and your name on our library donor acknowledgment webpage
  • $500 - all of the above and an invitation to attend a special library talk and reception
  • $1,000 - all of the above, plus a private tour of PRS with items from special collections on display
  • $2,500 - all of the above, plus 8 hours of private research time in the library (by appointment)
  • $5,000 - all of the above, plus an additional 8 hours of private research time (by appointment)*
*for donations $5,000 and above please reach out to us directly at [email protected]

Become a PRS Legacy Steward and pledge yearly support to the library! 

Choose yearly support at the $1,000 level and above and receive recognition on the Library Preservation donor wall.

Additionally, your continued support:
  • Maintains the building, books, and archives by purchasing supplies to repaint the building, repair the library floor, and ordering archival supplies
  • Keeps the library open on Thursdays and Fridays, 12–6 pm, offering open access to over 30,000 rare works on mythology, alchemy, art, astrology, and Manly Hall's personal books, artwork, and photographs.
  • Funds an emergency preparedness plan being created through the Alliance for Response Emergency Preparedness Program (ARERPP) which includes important fire safety upgrades

We hope you will consider pledging an annual gift!
Please email [email protected]
​if you are interested in donating directly or in making a yearly donation to the PRS Library Fund!