Connecticut State Library exterior

Welcome to the Connecticut State Library

Discover the many ways the Connecticut State Library supports and inspires researchers, students, historians, local and state governments, and all residents of Connecticut.  

Looking for important services and information? The State Library houses reference services, public records, and the official State archives. We can help you sign up for a library card, access retention schedules, learn about our state's rich history and heritage, and much more.   

Visit the Connecticut State Library today!
Address: 231 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106
Hours: Monday - Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

How can we help?

Librarian working on a computer

Ask a librarian

Have a specific question? Chat with us Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. - 1:45 p.m. or email us today. 

Popular resources

CT Library for Accessible Books

CT Library for Accessible Books, Division of Library Development

Apply for free access to books in audio and braille formats.
Public Records Administration

Public Records Administration

Records management for state agencies, towns, cities, and other subdivisions of the state.
Services to Libraries & Librarians

Services to libraries and librarians

Access statewide programs and services, professional development and consulting services at the Division of Library Development (DLD).

State Archives

State archives

Explore Connecticut’s history through official records, documents, letters, and photos.
Reference Services

Reference services

Find government, history, law, and legislative resources.
Historians & Genealogists

Historians and genealogists

Historical information about our state and the people who have lived in it.
Local & State Agencies

Local and state agencies

Explore our library of resources for state agencies and municipalities.
Legal Researchers

Legal researchers

Find a collection of state and federal legal publications. Learn more about state, federal, and local government, state history and laws, genealogy, or public records and patents.

Latest news & events

Hiking Thru History
 Hiking Thru History 
Friday Events 

July 12 | August 2

September 6 | October 18

CT Public Libraries statewide annual reports 2023
Connecticut State Library Releases Two Reports: “CT’s Public Libraries: A Statistical Profile, 2022-2023” and “Statistical Trends in CT Public Libraries, 2023” 
New State Library outreach van

Outreach, programs, events and exhibits used for all State Library divisions and units.

Images of the Outreach Van: 
Ramp Access
Inside the Van
Canopy Over the Exterior

Museum Renovations

Please Note:

The Museum of Connecticut History will reopen to the public on Monday, August 5. Portions of our exhibits will remain a work in progress and the Colt Exhibit will be closed until Monday August 12, 2024 while we finish renovations. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Featured content

Works Progress Administration painting by Howard Heath

Works Progress Administration

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was established in 1935 by executive order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and funded by Congress through the Emergency Relief Appropriate Act of 1935
Connecticut Labor News front page 1924

Connecticut Digital Newspaper Project

The Connecticut Digital Newspaper Project (CDNP), run out of the Connecticut State Library, is a newspaper digitization project that works as part of the larger Library of Congress National Digital Newspaper Program to digitize historical newspapers for preservation and research use.
Connecticut State Library Logo in Color

About the Connecticut State Library

In 2004, the Connecticut State Library (CSL) celebrated 150 years of service to the people of Connecticut
Harry Haymans Store, early 1900s

Herbert Randall Survey of New Haven

The Connecticut State Library has recently completed the digitization of a portion of the photographs from the Herbert Randall Survey of New Haven and Environs, 1880-1920 (PG 380), which is now available in its digital collections. This collection consists of approximately 141 black and white photographs of New Haven and surrounding areas. 

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