AMMLA (American Merchant Marine Library Association)
USS-AMMLA Library Services
The American Merchant Marine Library Association (AMMLA) is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization representing a unique and necessary service to those who spend their lives at sea. The “Public Library of The High Seas,” has sent thousands of books to American flag and allied vessels. There still is a demand for books despite the growing use of the Internet and movies on DVD for entertainment.
In 2015, USS/AMMLA distributed more than 15,000 books and magazines to American merchant marine, the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, and seafarers of allied nations; especially noteworthy were the 155 libraries mailed to U.S. merchant vessels transporting supplies to U.S. Forces. In this era of smaller crews and fewer hours in port, seafarers rely on AMMLA more than ever for their recreation, education and self-help needs.
