Library
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The Theosophical Society in America LIBRARY HOURS (Central Time)
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Online Catalog
| New Titles | Audio and Video || Form for Borrowing Library Materials | User Registration Form |
Affiliated Libraries | Emily Sellon | Krotona | Olcott | Seattle
The Henry S. Olcott Memorial Library is a unique library bringing together the religious, philosophical, and spiritual traditions of the East and West, emphasizing the Ancient Wisdom tradition—Theosophy.
Founded in 1926 and named after Colonel Henry Steel Olcott, one of the founders of the Theosophical Society, the library is located at the Society's national center in Wheaton, Illinois.
The library’s collection of more than 18,000 titles of books, periodicals, 600 videotapes, and 1,100 audiocassettes is one of the finest in the country. Some of the many subjects included are Theosophy, Eastern philosophy and religions, comparative religion, esoteric Christianity, mysticism, mythology, psychology, parapsychology, meditation, healing, death and dying, astrology, and yoga.
Borrowing Privileges
Membership in the Theosophical Society in America includes library borrowing privileges (in person or by mail); however, members must register for this benefit with the library. Nonmembers may register for library privileges for an annual fee of $30.00 (local borrower) or $40.00 (mail borrower). Borrowing privileges are limited to persons residing in the United States. Click here for a User Registration Form, which can be printed out. It must be filled out, signed, and sent to the library by postal mail or fax. Instructions are included on the form.
Loan Policy
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Type of Material |
Loan Limit | Loan Period |
Late
Fee per Day* |
Maximum Late Fee |
Loss
or Damage Processing Fee** |
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| Local | ||||||
| Books | Up to 5 titles | 4 weeks | 6 weeks | 10¢ per item | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Audiotapes | Up to 4 titles | 4 weeks | 6 weeks | 10¢ per item | $10.00 | $10.00 |
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Videotapes (no renewals) |
Up to 2 titles with rental fee |
2 weeks $3 a tape |
4 weeks $5 a tape |
50¢ per item | $10.00 | $10.00 |
* To ensure the timely availability of material to all our patrons, late fees are assessed on all past due materials.
** A processing fee of $10 per title will be charged for any materials lost or damaged while in the patron’s possession. Additionally, the patron is responsible for the item’s replacement cost, plus applicable overdue fines.
Renewal Process
- Books and audiotapes may be renewed within one week before the due date for an additional two weeks from the date of the renewal request. Videotapes cannot be renewed. Renewal requests may be made by mail, phone, or e-mail. Registered users of the library may renew materials directly from the Online Library Catalog.
Borrowing by Mail
- ELIGIBILITY: The Henry S. Olcott Memorial Library can lend materials only to persons residing within the United States.
- REQUEST FORMS: Requests to borrow materials by mail should be made in writing. A preprinted order form is available upon request. Registered users of the library may place borrowing requests directly from the Online Library Catalog, or with our online Form for Borrowing Library Materials.
- DUE DATE: The due date on material borrowed by mail allows two additional weeks for travel time. Materials must be returned to reach the library by the due date specified.
- SHIPPING: Borrowed materials may be returned in the same packaging in which they were received, by using the return labels provided. All materials may be shipped Library Mail, ("Special Standard") except for videos, which must be sent by UPS or insured mail. Borrowers pay the return postage.
Printed Catalog
The following printed catalog is available for purchase (prepaid or with credit card) and may be ordered on the User Registration Form, or by contacting the library in writing or by phone.
- Annotated Book List 1990 ($10.00 prepaid)
- Lists approximately 2,400 book titles in 19 subject categories
- 241 pages (soft cover)
Online Web Catalog
The Henry S. Olcott Memorial Library is the center of an online Web catalog shared with other Theosophical libraries, currently the library of the New York Theosophical Society and the Krotona Library (Ojai, California).
To go to the "Theosophical Society Libraries WebCat," click here. The easy-to-use WebCat™ provides access to the catalogs of all participating libraries, as well as the Library of Congress catalog. Anyone may access the catalog without special authorization.
Special Privileges for Registered Users
Registered library users enjoy the following privileges in WebCat™ ; they may use it to:
- Access their personal library records to review what they have borrowed, that material’s due dates, and any charges owed
- Place requests for items to be sent for loan
- Place holds on items checked out to others
- Report a change of address
- Suggest titles to be considered for purchase
- Make suggestions or comments
- Access the international library database WorldCat™ (a service provided by the OCLC Online Computer Library Center)
Online
Library Catalog | New Titles |
Audio and Video
Form for
Borrowing Library Materials | User Registration
Form