The State Library’s Collections
Explore the Library’s collections for a window into Connecticut's colorful history and heritage. Collections include books, documents, maps, government records, and other materials.
The State Library’s collections are great resources for lawyers, genealogists, state agencies, teachers, researchers, and anyone who wants to learn more about Connecticut. If you have questions or can't locate a specific collection, our reference staff is happy to help.
Congressional Serial Set
The United States Congressional Serial Set is a bound compilation of House and Senate Documents and House and Senate Reports. Publication began with the 15th Congress/1st session (1817). Documents of the first fourteen Congresses (1789-1816) were published in the American State Papers.
CT Library for Accessible Books
Lends audio and braille books to people who can not read conventional print due to a disability.
CT State Documents
Comprehensive, historical collections of primary materials by and about Connecticut state agencies.
Federal Documents
Regional Federal Depository Library for Connecticut and Rhode Island; receives and retains all publications, in all formats, distributed by the U. S. Government Publishing Office.
Genealogy Indexes
A wealth of genealogy information and Connecticut vital records.
Law and Legislation
Search law and legislative research guides. Our reference staff can help with legal research; please see our legal reference policy.
Permanent Bill Files
Files of every bill introduced in the Connecticut General Assembly since 1911; select years available online.
Legislative Histories
The State Library maintains the only complete collection of transcripts from Connecticut legislative committee hearings and proceedings from both chambers of the General Assembly. Some histories are already available online.
Local Government
Records and publications of Connecticut towns, boroughs, cities, counties and school districts from the seventeenth through the twentieth centuries.
Middletown Library Service Center
Libraries can borrow from the Middletown Library Service Center to supplement their own collections.
Museum collection
Inspired artifacts of Connecticut industry, history, and culture.
Newspaper Resources
The most comprehensive collection of Connecticut newspapers known to exist.
State Archives Collections
Access collection finding aids to request and view State Archives materials.
State Agency Profiles
Includes designation dates and name changes, statutory authority, locations of pertinent materials in the State Library, cites to agency histories, commissioner’s names, and web page links
Vertical Files
Newspaper clippings, obituaries, and many other points of information about Connecticut.
Works Progress Administration Art Inventory
Learn about the Works Progress Administration (WPA), recovery efforts, and the artists involved.
Get a CSL Library Card
You can search our digital catalogs or visit us in Hartford to access physical copies. If you need a library card to access any of our materials, we can help with that, too.