758 Main Street, Branford, CT 06405
(203) 488-1441
http://www.blackstonelibrary.org
library@blackstone.lioninc.org
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Hours Monday to Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Sunday (09/10/06 - 05/20/07) (with a few exceptions) 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 
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Our CollectionElectronic and Non-Print ResourcesBooks on Tape, Books on CD, Music CDs, Videotapes and DVDs Blackstone Library now has a collection of books on tape and books on CD, including fiction and non-fiction titles, language instruction tapes, popular and classical music tapes, self-help and other educational tapes. Books on tape, music CDs and books on CD can be checked out for a four-week loan period. Videotapes and DVDs have become an integral part of the Blackstone Library. Since we began purchasing them, we have tried to offer selections not always found in video stores, as well as more popular titles, self-help, how-to, and travel tapes. Videotapes and DVDs can be checked out for one week. Connecticut Digital Library (iCONN) A wide variety of databases for all ages, including reference sources, newspapers, magazines, and health resources. Internet Access Internet access is available in both the Reference Department and the Children's Department. Patrons under the age of 16 are required to obtain parental permission to access the Internet in the Children's Department. Microfilm Branford Newspapers Microfilm copies of the Branford News, Branford Gleaner, Branford Opinion, and the Branford Review covering the years 1878 to the present (with some gaps in the late 1800's and early 1900's) are available upon request at the Reference Desk. Federal Census Census data from 1790 to 1930 for Branford and selected other towns in New Haven county is available on microfilm. In addition, there are transcribed census records available at the Reference Desk. See also our page on Researching Your Branford Ancestor and Genealogical Resources at the Blackstone Library. Online Catalog LION (Libraries Online) is a private, non-profit consortium of libraries located in Middletown, Connecticut. By virtue of its membership in LION, the James Blackstone Memorial Library has direct online access to LION's holdings as well as access to its automated system for circulation, cataloging and its public access catalog. The library catalog can be searched via the web. You can also place holds, check your patron record and renew items using the online catalog. If you have any questions, please contact the Reference Department at (203) 488-1441. Dial-in access to the catalog is no longer available. Library Services Children's Department The Children's Department provides materials, activities, and services for children of all ages. Circulation Information Our collection totals over 80,000 items, providing not only book sources but also magazines, CDs, audiocassettes, videotapes, and DVDs. Most items are loaned for a four-week loan period with the exception of new books which have a two-week loan period and our Hot Picks collection, videotapes and DVDs which have a one-week loan period. The fine for overdue materials is 15 cents a day. There is a seven-day grace period for senior citizens on all materials except videotapes and DVDs. Friends of the James Blackstone Memorial Library An active "Friends Organization" was formed in 1987 and continues to grow and support the library through annual summer concerts, book sales, and summer programs. Homebound The library extends service to those Branford, Connecticut residents unable to get into the library because of a temporary or permanent illness or accident. Materials can be checked out for as long as needed without overdue fines. Interlibrary Loan The Interlibrary Loan system allows patrons to request books and articles not available at the library. The service is free to Branford residents. Requested books are delivered by Connecticar and can be picked up at the Circulation Desk. Reference Information The Reference Desk is staffed all hours that the library is open. Inquiries can be made in person, by phone, or via the web. Selected Print Resources Branford History and Genealogy Included in this collection are area census microfilms from 1790 - 1930, an index of tombstones in Branford's cemeteries, published genealogies of many Branford families, manuscript collection with deeds and letters dating to colonial times, records of early marriages in Connecticut, histories of local towns, and early church and town records. Career and Small Business Center A collection of selected reference books for job seekers and entrepreneurs. Included are materials on preparing a resume, job outlooks, career guidance, and how to start your own business. Education Center A collection of educational guidance reference books, including directories of educational institutions from elementary to graduate school and selected educational statistics and Connecticut school profiles. |
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