FAQ

What kind of records does VRPS have?
We have rock music, classical music, jazz, Broadway, spoken word, comedy records, records about computer programming in the 1980’s.... The variety is astounding.

Although most of the records are music, you can also find educational records, historical speeches and even random sounds. Anything that has ever been recorded and deemed worthy by someone of copywriter is in the Library’s collection.

What is the condition of the records?
The collection includes vinyl records, but also a huge collection of shellac records, many going back to the 19th century. The condition of the records varies widely; some are as perfect as they day they were pressed, some are no longer playable at all. The sturdy shellac records are surprisingly durable and many remain playable even more than a century after they were produced.

What does VRPS do with the records it collects?
We make the records available to schools and long/term care facilities. We will provide a collection of roughly 100 records or a facility representative can come to our storage facility in Cheverly, Maryland and choose records themselves.

We can also provide a limited number of record players and rolling storage carts if requested. 

Can you ship records?
Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to package and ship the records so for now we are limited to the Baltimore/Washington metropolitan area.

Do you ever sell records?
Absolutely not.

Is VRPS giving away the Library’s unique collection?
No, the records that come to VRPS are “extras,” meaning the Library still has copies of everything we receive.

Can a researcher have access to the collection?
Yes, although because the records were prepared for disposal, they are not organized. A researcher would probably have more luck with the Library’s collection, which we are happy to facilitate.

Is VRPS a not-for-profit and can I contribute to your work?
Yes, VRPS has a tax-exempt ID and we appreciate all kinds of support.

How is VRPS funded?
We accept contributions and we are lucky to have the generous support of CFG Bank, a Baltimore institution owned by Jack Dwyer who is as big a fan of music and records as he is generous.

What’s with the strange name?
Go to your local record store and find a copy of “The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society”. Once you’ve played the album all the way through, you’ll understand.

How do schools and long-term care facilities apply?
Easy. Complete the form below and we’ll get back to you.