"We are grateful for increased interest on the part of the staff of our Christian Science Reading Room," writes a librarian, "in recognizing that church activities, including the Reading Room, embrace the entire community."

This appears in line with the statement of our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, in her Message to The Mother Church for 1901 (p. 31), "I can use the power that God gives me in no way except in the interest of the individual and the community." A Christian Science Reading Room offers and fulfills its services on this basis.

The librarian continues: "Our Reading Room, situated in corner quarters, has two large display windows. The arrangements therein are worked out through prayerful thought to meet the needs of the passers-by. Many window readers, strangers to Christian Science, sooner or later enter the room to inquire about our religion. Often, this has led to the lending or sale of the Bible and 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures' by our Leader, as well as to an explanation of how to study the weekly Bible Lesson as outlined in the Christian Science Quarterly. Some of these people are using the Reading Room for study. Others are attending the church services and have entered their children in the Sunday School.

"It was interesting to note that the week our large side display window featured the topics 'marriage,' 'home,' and 'prayer,' many individuals were seen reading the articles and citations which were used to develope these subjects. Several returned to reread them; others came turned to purchase the literature and books displayed.

"A children's table in our Reading Room has met a need. Occasionally a mother with a small child comes in to study. It has been proved that the little ones are happy and quiet at a small table with the books which are of interest to children.

"Our study room has been of real service to several businessmen who are using it for diligent work. One executive, in particular, made an early morning visit each day for some weeks. He has since come back to express gratitude for the loving and harmonious atmosphere of the room which played such an important part in making his demonstration of rightful place and employment."

In a report on activity in the Reading Room of her branch church, another librarian writes: "The prosperity and expansion of the healing mission of Christian Science through the Reading Room, in this community and in the world, are largely dependent upon the spiritual growth of church members. As each member gains a higher concept of the Reading Room, its place, purpose, and service in the community, we shall see a more active prosperous outward manifestation.

"Our Leader is quoted in 'We Knew Mary Baker Eddy,' First Series (p. 40), as writing: 'All the people need, in order to love and adopt Christian Science, is the true sense of its Founder. In proportion as they have it, will our Cause advance.'

"Without an abiding appreciation of Mrs. Eddy, of her place in prophecy, and of her revelation of Truth as given in the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health, we might succumb to the temptation to forget our duty to support, love, and utilize the means she has provided for carrying on the movement. We might say that appreciation is love and gratitude in action.

"Even though our location could be improved upon, we continue to know that right where we are, those in need can find the Comforter; and they do. One woman returned to express her gratitude for our Reading Room, which served as a haven for her when she was deeply troubled. The first day she came she was ill, lonely, and depressed. The librarian encouraged her in the study of Christian Science as she returned again and again. Her thought seemed receptive to the truth, and she made rapid progress.

"After seeking help from a practitioner, the way opened for her to go to a distant city to take a position in a new field of endeavor. Returning after an absence of some months, she came straight to the Reading Room to tell of the several healings which had continued unfolding as a result of the encouragement and help first received here—healings of smoking, social drinking. cataracts, and false traits of character. Her liberated thought had led her into wider fields of service, and she had been able to bless many with her joy and newly found life. The presence of the Christ always comforts heals, and blesses.

"Our beloved Leader continues to speak to us through her article entitled 'Pond and Purpose' (Miscellaneous Writings, pp. 206, 207): 'As you journey, and betimes sigh for rest "beside the still waters," ponder this lesson of love. Learn its purpose; and in hope and faith, where heart meets heart reciprocally blest, drink with me the living waters of the spirit of my life-purpose,—to impress humanity with the genuine recognition of practical, operative Christian Science.'"