About the Library

The Dominican Theological Library (DTL) began as the faculty library of the Dominican House of Studies at Somerset, Ohio, in 1834. It was moved to Washington, D.C., with the establishment of the current House of Studies in 1905. Our faculty became a Pontifical Faculty of Theology in 1941, and is also civilly accredited. A new wing for the Faculty and Library was dedicated in 2009.   The DTL holds approximately 54,000 volumes in its circulating collection, as well as some 2,500 titles in its specialized Reference, Dominican and Rare Books collections. We also receive many scholarly journals.   The DTL is a member of the Washington Theological Consortium and of the Higher Education Library Information Network (HELIN).

Today many libraries are better described as information centers or media centers. While the DTL employs some new information technologies and new media, it remains, above all, a traditional library: a place for books and for the rigorous acquisition of learning. All our collections, services, and facilities are meant to foster serious and recollected study in the service of the Gospel.

Library Hours

From May 20th to May 31st, the Library will be open from 8:30am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday (closed Saturday).

The Library will be closed Friday, May 24th, Saturday, May 25th, and Monday, May 27th.

The Library will begin its summer schedule on June 3rd. The summer schedule will be: