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

Library Card Application for Connecticut Residents and Connecticut State Employees

Who may borrow?

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

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

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

What may be borrowed?

Generally, all materials published since 1956 listed as “Available” in CONSULS may be borrowed. Exceptions may be made due to condition or other circumstances. Please contact us with any questions.

How many items may be borrowed?

A maximum of ten items may 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 CONSULS. Information on how to renew online can be found at http://www.consuls.org/screens/help_renew.html.

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 four weeks after coming due, a minimum of $25 or the actual replacement cost is charged.

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

How to get a Library Card

We offer two cards: a Library Card and a Secured Collections/Archives Card.

Both library cards allow you to:

• Borrow material
• Use our public access computers
• Use some of our databases from home.

The Secured Collections/Archives Card will also allow access to our restricted collections.

To get a library card:

If you are at the Library, 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.

From home, Connecticut residents may register for a library card by mail. Complete and sign a Library Card Application. To confirm Connecticut residency, please include on the application form your current library card barcode number from your local Connecticut public library or your Connecticut State Drivers License number and date of birth.

Mail application to:

Ursula Hunt
Connecticut State Library
231 Capitol Ave.
Hartford, CT  06016

A Library Card will be mailed to you.

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.

For further information, contact us.

To get a Secured Collections/Archives Card, you will need to visit the library to apply.

Please consult, Using Secured Collections, Archives, and Offsite Materials for more information.

How to renew your Library Card

Library cards expire one year from registration or renewal date.  Recently expired library cards may be renewed by phone:     860 757-6500.   

If your library card information is no longer available in our system, you may obtain a new card.

For further information, contact us.

Borrowing Services for State Employees

Library Cards for Connecticut State Employees

Visit the Library to get a Library Card, or complete and sign the a Library Card Application 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 for Connecticut State Employees

If we don't have an item you need for state business, 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 for Connecticut State Employees

You may request items by phone: 860 757-6500, fax: 860 757-6559, email:  CSL.isref@ct.gov, or online through the catalog.  Please allow 24 hours for online requests via the library catalog. You will receive a call when your book is ready for pick-up. Requested items can be held for pick-up or delivered to your office.

For Civil Service Study Guides, please visit the State Library.

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), interdepartmental mail 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 for Connecticut State Employees

• Locate an item in the catalog, and click ‘Request’.
• Enter your Library card number when asked to “Enter 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.

Please consult State Library Services for State Agencies & Employees for more information on additional services.