The Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives
Charles E. Shain Library, Connecticut College

The Connecticut College Library’s rare books and other collections of historical and literary value are housed in the Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives located on the second floor of the Charles E. Shain Library.  The collections and strengths are described in the Collections section of this web page with links to the finding aids, inventory lists and web sites that have been created for some of them.  The Lear Center also includes material from the College Archives that documents the history of Connecticut College.

During the academic year the Lear Center is open Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a break for lunch.  During the summer, the hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  It is highly recommended that visits be scheduled in advance by appointment.  Please contact Benjamin Panciera, Director of Special Collections and Archives, at 860-439-2654, or Nova Seals, Librarian for Special Collections and Archives, at 860-439-2686.