Policies
The Lanier Theological Library is a research library that welcomes all who abide by library policies and use its resources respectfully. Because the LTL is a research library, we do not allow books to be removed from the building. Please respect the needs of others for a quiet setting in which to read. Lower your voice and silence your cell phone.
For specific requests or information, please email info@lanierlibrary.org and your email will be directed to the appropriate staff member.
General Policies for the Library and Grounds
- All of the library is a quiet zone, please keep the noise very low.
- All cell phones should be on vibrate and calls must be taken outdoors.
- Drinks are allowed, but please bring your own.
- Please be careful to use coasters on all tables. They are not souvenirs!
- Everyone has to stay in the immediate area of the library and chapel. No one is allowed to go north or east of the chapel.
Tour Policies
Tours are conducted by appointment only whether for large or small groups. Submit the form HERE to request a tour. You will be contacted by library staff once your request has been approved. Â
Hargrave gate Entry: If you are arriving by bus, you will enter the library area through our Hargrave gate. Directions to this gate can be found on our website. When you are about 10 -15 minutes away, please call us at 281-477-8400 to let us know so we can provide parking instructions.
Falba Gate Entry: If you arrive by personal car, you will enter through our Falba Gate. Please give each driver our phone number, 281-477-8400, so they can call to be let into the gate when they arrive.
Tour for Elderly or Those with Mobility Needs Note: Please be aware that our grounds are not easy to navigate. The path between the chapel and the library is cobblestone and uneven. We would prefer that your group be accompanied by an individual that would be able to assist others with any mobility needs if necessary.
Tours for Young Students Before we can schedule you for a tour please be aware of our guidelines listed below.
- There must be at least 1 adult for every 2 children.
- It is imperative that adults stay with the children at all times. This means if a child goes upstairs, the adult must accompany them and monitor them the entire time they are here.
- An adult can pull a book from the shelves; CAREFULLY monitor while the children look at the book.
- Please do not attempt to re-shelve any books. We insist that you let us re-shelve them, so when you are finished looking at them, please place the books on one of the designated return carts.
- No food or drink in the chapel or library.
- No running, playing tag, or hide and seek.
- The public is only allowed access to the chapel and library as you are on private property. No one is allowed to go north or east of the chapel. Please stay in the area between the chapel and library.
- Please be quiet, even outside the library's front door, as you are about to enter. We are a working library, so we ask that you whisper and be respectful of the patrons who will be studying and doing research while you are here.
- Please go over these guidelines/rules thoroughly with all of the adults who will be monitoring the children prior to your arrival.
Photography Policy
Photo sessions are not consistent with our purpose and mission as a private foundation and a theological library.
To comply with IRS regulations for a non-profit, and to protect the atmosphere and mission of our library, the scheduling committee only approves a very limited number of the requests we receive to minimize the impact to the LTL’s schedule of events and our patrons.
To schedule a photography session, please email info@lanierlibrary.org. Please allow at least two weeks advance notice to request a photo session. If a photography session is approved, the following guidelines apply , including both personal use and the use of professional photographers.
- A limited number of one-hour sessions are available Monday through Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm, by appointment only. Written confirmation of the appointment is required.
- There is a mandatory location fee of $100 for photography sessions.*
- No additional lighting equipment, props or music may be used.
- Any of the building exteriors may be used as a backdrop for photos.
- NO photo sessions, amateur or professional, are allowed INSIDE any of the buildings, including the library, learning center, Trowbridge village, chapel or cottages.
- Photography must accommodate and work around the normal functioning of the library facilities, grounds and staff.
- Photographs posted online, on any social media, or in any advertising or promotional material, may NOT include the LTL name or location.
- If you have received approval, once you arrive, please go to the office with your written confirmation. You will be given a lanyard that identifies that you have received permission. Wear this while on the property and return it to the office after your session.
*The Lanier Theological Library is owned and operated by the Lanier Foundation, a 501(c)(3), non-profit, private operating foundation, and conforms to IRS regulations regarding its use by other than non-profit entities or individuals