Well-known zoo herpetologist Bern Tryon passed away in May 2011. Before his death, Bern thought it would be nice if his herpetological library could be sold with ALL the proceeds going to a fund that would provide money each year for field work on the southern populations of the endangered Bog Turtle. Bern had a wonderful library collection of over 500 titles that he has donated to TSA for Bog Turtle conservation efforts. The catalog can be accessed HERE.

Turtle Survival Alliance has agreed to maintain and administer the funds, and Frank Slavens (TSA Board) has generously volunteered to list and sell the library. All money collected from the sale of the library will go directly to the TSA BERN TRYON SOUTHERN BOG TURTLE FUND. It is hoped that we can raise a substantial amount to help fund southern Bog Turtle field work well into the future. Any additional donations to this Bog Turtle fund are also welcome.

The quality of Bern's books is first rate. Bern had everything bound and selected the nicest cleanest copies he could find (always hardbound) and with dust jackets. Bern told Frank, "One thing I have made a point to do is curate my library in such a way that just about all of the appropriate soft-bound volumes have been very nicely hardbound. Often, if I like a certain volume, I have spent more money for this than the volume is worth monetarily, but it is worth it to me." A ten dollar publication from Bern's library may be bound in a $20–S40 binding. Several of the titles were priced by Bern as to what he hoped to get for them. Most of the reprints have Bern’s signature or other stamps of previous owners and are in "used condition." ALL ARE PRICED TO SAVE TURTLES. All proceeds from the sale of these titles go to the Turtle Survival Alliance for the long term preservation of the Bog Turtle.

If you see a title of interest, contact Frank Slavens for availability.

If the title is available, Frank will make up an invoice and all payments will go directly to the TSA. Please do not send in any money until an invoice is received.

Thank you for your help with this worthy endeavor.