title: How can I make a .NET class library read its own configuration file?
body: <p>I have a .NET class library that provides a set of helper functions that are used by several Web Services. This class library must store a single setting, specifically, a connection string, which need not be seen by the Web Services themselves, since they all must query the same datbase.</p>
  
  <p>Unfortunately, .NET provides no means to easily read a DLL's <code>app.config</code> file. The only "easy" solution would be to store the connection string in <em>every single</em> Web Service configuration file, which is completely bollocks.</p>
  
  <p>Normally, I care about code elegance, but this time I <em>really</em> need a solution, even if it is a hack. Is there any way to make a .NET class library have its own configuration?</p>
  
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  <p><strong>EDIT:</strong> Technically, I could merge all those Web Services into a single Web Service. But, for business reasons (each Web Service will be sold separately), I cannot do that.</p>