Editorial May 7, 1910 Issue

THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE READING-ROOM

Annie M. Knott

Prominent among the activities of our Cause is the Christian Science reading-room, which is to be found wherever a church of our faith is established. As our Leader says respecting the by-laws of The Mother Church, the reading-rooms "sprang from necessity, the logic of events,—from the immediate demand for them as a help that must be supplied to maintain the dignity and defense of our Cause" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 148). It was necessary that the growing demand for genuine Christian Science literature should be met in an adequate way, and that inquirers at bookstores or libraries should not be misled by the offer, made through prejudice or ignorance, of something "just as good" as that which alone sets forth the correct teachings of Christian Science; in other words, the authorized publications. It is desirable that inquirers should have opportunity to investigate these teachings at first hand; and many who are not ready to purchase the literature are glad to read it, in order to discover whether it has a promise of practical help in their hours of need.

To many such the reading-room is proving itself an oasis in the desert of human experience, being as a well of living water, and a shelter from the storm and tempest of sickness and sin, as we learn from some of the oral and published testimonies of its beneficiaries. We are reminded that some of the world's great philanthropists regard the public library as one of the most efficient means of helping mankind, and to this end they devote time and money which is generally admitted to be well spent. It is also noteworthy that in recent years the profession of librarian calls for at least as thorough preparation as in the case of any other profession. The librarian is expected and required to have accurate general knowledge of the books which deal with the many subjects represented in a public library, and to be ready to furnish the needed information to all inquirers. It will thus be readily seen that a librarian must be alert and progressive, noting the advance made in all directions, and yet not losing sight of that which has proven itself of value in the past.

In the case of Christian Science librarians,—those in charge of our reading-rooms,—it goes without saying that they should be well acquainted with our literature, so as to be able to give needed information to strangers, or even to Christian Scientists. A portion of each day could be used to great advantage in systematizing one's knowledge of our rapidly-expanding literature, so as to bring that which is most helpful to the notice of the needy seeker. Tact and courtesy are invaluable in this service, and at the same time a firm insistence that the rules shall be observed, quiet maintained, and the utmost propriety observed. While strangers may receive information as to the study of the Lesson-Sermons, these should never be read aloud or explained in the reading-room, for this would defeat their intent. Furthermore, no one is authorized to explain these Lessons, although a few kindly words may be of great service in encouraging beginners to seek earnestly the guidance of divine Mind in their study.

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THE TRUE KINSHIP
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