Mission
The Archbishop O’Brien Library, located at and part of The Pastoral Center, serves as a resource center for all members of the Archdiocese of Hartford and to the general public. The Library 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.
Brief History
St. Thomas Seminary, founded by Bishop Michael Tierney, opened on Collins Street in Hartford, Connecticut in 1897. Due to space issues of a growing seminary, the construction of a new building was authorized and erected in 1928 in Bloomfield. The doors opened on September 29, 1930 with a newly established library which later became known as The Archbishop Henry J. O’Brien Memorial Library, after the Most Reverend Henry J. O’Brien, the first Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Hartford and a former student, faculty member and President Rector of the Seminary.
Accessing the Collections
Library cards are required to check out books. Cards can be requested by contacting the Asst. Librarian at 860-242-5573, ext. 2609.
The Main Collection and the Msgr. Frank J. Matera Biblical Collection can be accessed online here: https://archobrienlib.follettdestiny.com/common/welcome.jsp?context=saas086_0601426. A password is not required to view the collections.
Checking Out and Returning Library Materials
All circulating materials can be checked out for a period of three weeks, with the option of renewal. Fines may be collected for overdue materials. A Drop Box for returning materials is located in the foyer inside the main entrance of the Pastoral Center, 467 Bloomfield Ave., Bloomfield, CT.
Library Hours: Mondays – Fridays 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The Library is closed from 12:00 Noon through 12:30 p.m. for lunch.
Contact
Archbishop O’Brien Library
Pastoral Center
467 Bloomfield Avenue
Bloomfield, CT 06002
860-242-5573
860-242-4886 fax
