The Charles R. Joy Library is located in Stott Lounge on the second floor. It is open except when Stott Lounge is in use for a scheduled meeting. Directions to check out and return books are posted in the Library. Borrowing is on the honor system.

The Library supports the mission of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, and selectively collects and facilitates access to books on: Unitarian Universalism and other spiritual traditions, social and ethical issues, philosophy, theology, Bible study with a liberal religious perspective, and other issues of interest to our congregation.

The library catalog is online at  http://www.librarything.com/catalog/joylibrary1885.

The library includes three special collections:

• The Ed Ryman Collection on Buddhism and Taoism – The books in this collection are included in the online catalog and may be borrowed. They have call numbers prefixed with RY, and are shelved together in a dedicated bookcase.
• The Frank Curtis Reed Memorial Art Collection – These books are not in the catalog, and are for use in the library only.
• The Antiquarian Collection – These books are not in the catalog, and may be used only by appointment. For an inventory of this collection click here.

The Joy Library Committee presently consists of Paul Axel-Lute (Chair),  Melanie Axel-Lute, Sally Knapp, Cassie Artale, Lucy Wrightington, and Todd VonHausen. The full committee is involved in choosing new books to purchase for the library.  

For the library’s Collection Guidelines, please click here.

To suggest items for purchase, offer books for donation, or inquire about joining the committee, email us at: joylibrary@albanyuu.org.

The library is named in honor of Charles Rhind Joy.

(Updated January 2020)