Policies
Access and Reference
Library Access
The Congregational Library is open to all researchers. We have an extensive collection of printed church histories, town histories, sermons, annual reports of religious and charitable associations, Boston city directories and contemporary religious studies material. Books may be borrowed in person or by mail. 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. The archive has a separate introduction page that lists a finding aid index and its policy information.
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 fulfil research requests at their discretion. Contact the Archivist if either service is needed.
Regular reference questions about library and archive holdings, please call our direct number, write a letter or an . Please make sure you include CL in the subject line as well as a personalized subject heading.
Circulation
The Congregational Library also 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 10 cents 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.
The library staff is happy to report that we are in the process of updating our old paper catalog to an online version. Please visit our online catalog, a work in progress. Additionally, If you do not find a title or subject, please contact the librarian or archivist.
Queries regarding should include CL in the beginning of the subject line.
Photocopies, Reproductions, and Citations
Photocopying for In-house Patrons
Photocopy copies are $0.25 per exposure and is 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
See the Photographic Reproduction Procedures and Use Fee Schedule: reprofees.pdf. The Congregational Library reserves the right to limit copy photography. To request a photographic duplication, complete a Reproduction Order form: repro-order.pdf.
Permission to Publish
Scholars publishing their work who wish to reproduce image(s) or cite from printed material in the library's collection should send the archivist a filled out copy of the permission form: photopubpermission.pdf.