History Day students are admitted FREE to the CHS Library!

It is a good idea to contact us before you visit to make sure we have materials on your topic. Call (860) 236-5621, x230 or email us.

The Library of The Connecticut Historical Society (CHS) collects and preserves materials that are important to the history of Connecticut. Our library has about 100,000 books and 3,000,000 manuscripts. Our collection includes many rare books and handwritten materials such as diaries and letters. Some materials date back to the time when Connecticut was founded, more than 350 years ago. Because of their age, these materials are fragile and cannot be replaced. We want to preserve these "voices of the past" because we believe they help us all to understand the people and events of our history.

Like all "special collections" libraries, our library must preserve its collections for many future generations of researchers. For example, special collections libraries must keep fragile or rare materials in "closed" stacks where the temperature and humidity can be carefully controlled. We must take special care that our materials are not damaged or lost. Library visitors can help us preserve our collections by using them carefully. The following guide will prepare you for your visit.

*  You do not need to be a member of the CHS to use the library.

*  If you are a History Day student just explain to the receptionist that you are participating in History Day and want to use our library. You and any adult who accompanies you will be admitted FREE of charge. The adult should bring a state issued photo ID, such as a driver's license.

*  You need to register only once a year.

*  Your library registration will expire at the end of the year (12/31).

*  You may bring notebooks and a pencil with you to the library. Because accidental marks with pen can permanently damage materials, only pencils may be used in the Library; if you forget to bring a pencil, the library staff will gladly give you one.

*  When you go into the library, check-in with the Library staff. They are there to help you.

*  Use the card catalog to locate materials; the catalog is organized by subject and by author.

*  You may request materials by filling out a call slip and giving it to a library staff member who will get the materials for you.

*  Library materials cannot be borrowed. We do not participate in inter-library loans.

*  Most materials may be photocopied for 25¢ per page.

*   Some fragile material cannot, unfortunately, be copied.

*  You pay for copies at the Visitors Services desk when you are ready to leave. We also have microform readers/printers; copies are 25¢ per page.

Remember that library materials may be unique or fragile.
Please use great care when handling them, and return all materials to library staff when you have finished

Important Note: Photographs, prints and drawings are held in the Graphics Collection and NOT in the library. If you are interested in graphics you need to make an appointment first by contacting the Curator of Graphics, Nancy Finlay at (860) 236-5621, x236.

Additionally we have museum artifacts that may help your studies.