Access and Reference

Library Access

The Congregational Library is open to all researchers. Consult the online catalog (a work in progress) or contact the library to check on the availability of a title or material in a specific subject area. First time visitors should request an orientation on how to best use the catalogs.

Archives Access

The archives is open to the public, however please contact the archivist before visiting. All patrons fill out an identification and usage form on first visits and is then used on subsequent visits. Only a few collections limit access or require permission before use. Be sure to inquire about this issue ahead of time. The entirety of the archive collections has been added to our online catalog, along with all the attached finding guides. A separate list of the guides can also be found here.

Research and Reference Requests

Researchers who are unable to visit the library personally are encouraged to hire a freelance scholar in the Boston area. The library staff can fulfill research requests at their discretion. Contact the Archivist if either service is needed. For regular reference questions about library and archive holdings, please call our direct number, write a letter or an email. Please make sure you include "CL" in the subject line as well as a personalized subject heading.

Circulation

The Congregational Library loans books, either by mail or in person. Books are loaned for a period of four weeks, with a limit of four books per patron. Only contemporary (less than 35 years old) material circulates. In order to renew, the patron should call the library, email or send a postcard prior to the due date. Books can be renewed twice, after which they must be returned. Fines for overdue books are $0.10 per book per weekday, with a maximum fine of $30.00. Books which are not returned within a reasonable time of notification must be replaced at the borrower's expense.

Queries regarding circulation should include "CL" in the beginning of the subject line.

Photocopies, Reproductions, and Citations

Photocopying for In-house Patrons

Photocopies are $0.25 per exposure and are processed by the library staff. The staff will use discretion as to limiting photocopies. Patrons are welcome to bring digital cameras to augment copying.

Photographic Reproduction

The Congregational Library reserves the right to limit copy photography. To request a photographic duplication, visit our reproduction and permission to publish page. 

Permission to Publish

Scholars publishing their work who wish to reproduce image(s) or cite from printed material in the library's collection should review our reproduction and permission to publish page.