The association maintains an extensive collection of electric railway literature of a research nature at its Frank Julian Sprague Memorial Library. Mr. Sprague, ERA member No. 1, engineered and operated the first practical electric street car line and later invented practical multiple-unit control. The first books and papers in the library were donated to the ERA by Harriet (Mrs. Frank) Sprague and consisted of elements of Mr. Sprague’s personal collection. It is fitting that this vast and growing collection of historical, technical and economic data on electric railways is named in his honor.
Numerous transit-related books, magazines and newletters are available to members, often at substantial discounts over their cover prices.