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.

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

We are grateful for your interest in utilizing the Lanier Theological Library and Learning Center for photography. While it is a beautiful place, it is also primarily dedicated to the serious study of God’s Word, to theological contemplation, and to providing a quiet place of prayer and reflection for its patrons and guests. To protect the atmosphere and mission of the Lanier facilities, and also to comply with IRS non-profit regulations, the scheduling committee is only able to approve a limited number of requests for photography.

If a photography session is approved, the following guidelines apply, including for both personal use and the use of professional photographers.

A limited number of 30-minute sessions are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays, between the hours of 10:00am and 2:00pm. Appointments must be made in advance and written confirmation of the appointment is required. Requests for same day appointments cannot be approved.
There is a mandatory location fee of $100 for photography sessions with a paid photographer, or where any fee is paid to the person taking photos.* Photographers may not photograph multiple parties or offer mini-sessions during the same appointment.
Staging and set-up should be minimal. No lighting equipment, props, or music may be used during the session. Changing areas are not available for use during a photography session.
Any of the building exteriors may be used as a backdrop for photos, with the exception of the Red Dog and Trowbridge village, both of which are private. Please do not obstruct or hinder access to the Library or Stone Chapel entrances.
NO photo sessions, amateur or professional, are allowed INSIDE the Library or the Stone Chapel.
All photography must accommodate and work around the normal functioning of the Library and Learning Center, the surrounding grounds, and the work of staff.
Photographs posted online, on any social media platform, or in any advertising or promotional material, may NOT include the LTL name or location.

*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, including photographers.