The post office sells a Postal Service Guide, which is issued annually. This guide offers helpful information about the hobby, and provides a listing of all stamps issued in the U.S. since the first U.S. stamp was issued in 1847. Other sources of information are stamp collecting periodicals, books, and catalogues, which can be found in the library or the bookstore. The library is an inexpensive place to start. Once decisions about the focal area of the collection have been made, books and catalogues can be purchased from bookstores or local hobby shops.
Stamp shows are another great place to enjoy the hobby.
New stamps are often issued at stamp shows. Some firsts to be issued at World Stamp Expo 2000, which will be held July 7 - 16, at the Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, California, will be the first round U.S. hologram stamp of the planet earth and five pentagonal stamps of the sun. Space exploration is the theme of World Stamp Expo 2000, and special space exhibits will be on loan from NASA . Admission is free. Fun images of kids skateboarding through space and riding in space cars will also be featured on a set of United States stamps, that will be released at the show.