Archbishop O'Brien Library

Archbishop Henry J. O'Brien Mission Statement The Library serves as a resource center for all members of the archdiocese and to the general public. It strives to provide an accessible collection of materials and resource-sharing that will foster the theological and spiritual teachings of the Catholic Church and promote Christian traditions and relationships. See Library Hours and Events

RARE BOOK AND ARCHIVAL The Bishop Tierney collection constitutes the original library of the Seminary's founder. 15th-17th century religious collection including illuminated manuscripts and other rare books and documents. 18th-19th century Catholic Americana and History. St. Thomas Seminary Archive contains Stella Matutina yearbooks and other documents, memorabilia and photos of St. Thomas Seminary alumni, teaching and religious affiliates. 20th century newspaper clippings, documents and photos of historical religious events of the time. Membership Fees are on a donation basis. Suggested fees: Free: Affiliate seminarians, students of Hartford Consortium, employees of the Archdiocese of Hartford (includes priests and religious) $5.00: Senior citizens. $10.00 Laity and members of the general public residing in Connecticut. $25.00 Out of state. Loan Periods Books: 28 days Media: 14 days Periodicals (Circulating) - 14 days Overdue Materials Books, Cassettes, CD's,Periodicals: $0.20/day DVD's/Videos: $1.00/day Contact: 860-242-5573 ext. 115, fax 860-242-4886 Karen Lesiak, Library Director klesiak@stseminary.org

Services Circulation of books and periodicals, DVD’s, video and audiocassettes; CD’s and books-on-tape on subjects ranging from theology and philosophy to spirituality, history and ministry; many saints' biographies and writings; A collection of Sacred and Contemporary Christian music on CD A unique collection of Catholic and Christian fiction A reference library Reference and research assistance including use of archival and rare book collections, interlibrary loan service via the Connecticut Digital Library (iConn), access to an extensive collection of current and back issues of periodical and journal subscriptions Use of the computer and the internet, items placed on reserve, copier Museum passes to check out free of charge for free or reduced admission prices to local museum exhibits. These include The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford and the New Britain Museum of American Art. (For a listing of events at these museums you can access their websites at www.wadsworthatheneum.org and www.nbmaa.org.) The Archbishop O'Brien Memorial Library at St. Thomas Seminary was first opened September 7, 1897 by the Seminary's founder, Bishop Michael Tierney. The original library was housed in the diocese's first seminary, The Chinese College, on Collins Street in Hartford. When a new seminary was built in 1928, the library was moved to its present location in Bloomfield, Connecticut and was later renamed in honor of the Most Rev. Henry J. O'Brien, the first Archbishop of Hartford. The library currently serves as a resource center for members of the Archdiocese of Hartford and is open to the general public. Library Hours: M, W, Th, Fr. 9:30 a.m - 5:00 p.m.; Tu 9:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.