Borrowing Materials from the Connecticut State Library

(860) 757-6500
Hours,  Directions/Parking

Connecticut State Library
231 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106
Tel: 860-757-6530,   Fax: 860-757-6559

Borrowing  |  Returning  |  Library Cards  |  Services for State Employees

Who can borrow?

Connecticut State employees, Connecticut residents, and students at colleges and universities in Connecticut can borrow items directly from the Library.

• See How to get a Library Card.
• Special Services for State Employees are also provided.

All others can borrow items by requesting them through the Interlibrary Loan procedure at their public, academic, or other library. 

What can be borrowed?

• Connecticut state documents published 1956 and later, second and subsequent copies if noted 'Available' in the catalog
• Family genealogies and local histories, second and subsequent copies if noted 'Available' in the catalog
• Federal documents published 1956 and later
• Public policy and administration, other general topic materials
• Study guides to assist in taking state exams.  These can be borrowed for just one week, and only by patrons who visit the library

Microfilm Reels

Marked as "Library Use Only" in the catalog. You must request that your local library borrow these through Interlibrary Loan.  They must be used at the requesting library.

• Most Newspaper microfilm reels
• Connecticut Archives microfilms. Second copies only

What can't be borrowed?

The majority of the Library's collections do not circulate, and are noted as 'Library Use Only' in the online CSL catalog, CONSULS.
Non-circulating items include the following collection subgroups:

• Books and documents published prior to 1956
• Family genealogies and local histories, first or only copies
• Serials, including magazines, annual publications, and other ongoing publications
• Law materials (typically have call numbers beginning with "K")
• Microfilms: vital records, land records, probate records, church records, census records, etc.
• Newspapers, original print format
• Reference materials (Locations:  GIRSREF, HISTREF, or LAWREF)
• Special Collections materials (Location: SpecColl)
• Archive, manuscript, and Museum materials
• Materials of any type that are in fragile condition

How many items can be borrowed?

A maximum of 10 items can be borrowed at one time.

How to renew borrowed items

Call 860 757-6500 to request a renewal by phone, or Login to your library record to renew online through the catalog. Information on how to renew online can be found at http://www.consuls.org/screens/help_renew.html.

All renewals are based on loan rules, and some may be denied.

How to return borrowed items

Return items by the due date inside the front cover of the book to any Reference desk at the Library. You may also return books via U.S. mail (Media Mail class is least expensive).  The borrower is responsible for items until they are checked back in at the Library. 

Overdues / Charges

We do not charge overdue fines. However, if an item is not returned within 4 weeks after being due, the greater of $25 or the actual replacement cost is charged.

If a borrower accrues $100 in charged replacement costs, OR, has received 2 or more overdue notices, borrowing privileges will be suspended until the items are returned or the replacement charge(s) paid.

How to get a Library Card

Complete a Library Card Application, and bring it to any Reference desk with one of the following IDs: Drivers License, State Employee ID, Employee ID, Student ID, Passport, CT Juris Number, or any photo ID that shows residence. Adults without identification must have another adult as guarantor.

Minors (under 18) must have parent or guardian approval.  If the parent/guardian is not with the minor, the application form will be mailed to the home address to be signed, and returned to the Library by mail. A Library Card will then be issued to the minor.

Adult guarantors and parent/guardians accept responsibility for all returns, replacement costs, etc. incurred by the applicant.

How to get a Secured Collections/Archives Library Card

Researchers who desire access to restricted collections including Archives, Manuscripts, Special Collections, pre-1850 original newspapers, or original newspapers (catalog location: "Offsite Newspapers") must apply in person at the History and Genealogy Reference Desk for a Secured Collections/Archives Library Card.  See Using Secured Collections, Archives, and Offsite Materials.

Both types of Library Cards provide access to the Public PCs, including Internet access.

Services for State Employees

Library Cards

Come to the Library to get a Library Card, or sign the application form (available on our Web site) and mail it with a photocopy of your State Employee ID to:

A Library Card will be issued and sent to your office by return mail.

Interlibrary Loan

If we don't have an item you need, we'll place an Interlibrary loan request to borrow the material from another library for your use. See Connecticut State Library Interlibrary Loan (ILL) for details and procedures.

Request and Delivery

You can request items by phone: 860 757-6500, fax:  860 757-6559, email:  isref@cslib.org, or online through the catalog.  Requested items can be held for pick-up or delivered to your office.

Please return items to the Library by the due date inside the front cover of the book. You may return books via U.S. mail (Media Mail class is least expensive), or return them in person to any Reference desk at the State Library. You are responsible for items until they are checked back in at the Library.

How to Make Online Requests

• Locate an item in the catalog, and click ‘Request’.
• Enter your Library card number when asked to “Enter University ID or State Lib Card No.”
• Create a PIN if you don't have one already.
• Select ‘StLib Circulation’ from the drop down list
• Enter “Please send to my office” in the message box if you want the item sent to you.
• Click Submit.