Article December 9, 1905 Issue

Religion and the Library. Helpers One of Another.*

REV. IRVING C. TOMLINSON, A.M., C.S.B.

Arm in arm two prominent clergymen of New Hampshire, one a liberal, the other an orthodox, appeared before the desk of their local public library, with a list of books, which they had prepared in common, to be procured from the Boston Theological Library. The local library made the requisition on the Boston institution, and the needs of the two brother ministers were promptly supplied.

This concrete example illustrates one way in which the public library is the helper of religion. It is a common meeting ground for the common and the uncommon people. Before its genial influence barriers give way. In the white light of truth sectarian differences vanish and fraternal agreements appear. Creeds and confessions may separate and antagonize, but the library of the people makes men mutual helpers. Bigotry begets a breed of clannish ecclesiastics who grow hungry and hollow-eyed on doctrinal husks. The learning of the library leavens the lump of denominationalism and a nutritious loaf nourishes a hearty brotherhood.

*This very interesting article, which appeared in the December issue of the Bulletin of the New Hampshire Public Libraries, is one of a number contributed by prominent clergymen upon the subject, "The Library from the Standpoint of Religion."

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