Window Displays
The window display is an impersonal ambassador for the Christian Science Reading Room. It presents Christian Science and the possibility of spiritual healing to the passer-by. Indeed, the window display is often an individual's introduction to the writings of our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy.
How important it is, therefore, that the displays be representative of the high standard of Christian Science. One entrusted with this work should take into consideration the importance of using fresh stock and adequate display equipment in assembling a thoughtful presentation of Mrs. Eddy's writings, including "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," as well as the other authorized literature and items carried in a Reading Room. He keeps in mind that a window display attracts, informs, inspires, and invites. A display that is well thought out to meet the signs of the times in the community embodies within itself its own attraction and invitation. Arrangement, color harmony, diversity of material, as well as a thoughtfully worked-out message, have their part in attracting, informing, enlightening, and healing the passer-by.
In fulfilling its God-inspired purpose, the window display should be enjoyed and utilized. Supporting metaphysical work is, therefore, essential. In this connection a librarian writes: "We held a staff meeting at which the principal subject for discussion was 'windows.' Helpful passages from the Bible and Mrs. Eddy's writings were recalled. The results of this meeting were immediate. We began to sell more books and to receive numerous inquiries from those who read at the window. The lending library became more active too, and, best of all, four copies of the textbook, Science and Health, were sold as a direct result of the window display."
Reporting further on window activity another librarian writes:
"We find that our display windows are of great advantage in reaching a public hitherto unacquainted with Christian Science. We have approximately fourteen feet of window space on the main street. In one window the books— the Bible and Science and Health— which are the source of the weekly Lesson-Sermon, as outlined in the Christian Science Quarterly, are displayed; in another, the Christian Science periodicals, including The Christian Science Monitor, are shown. Around the corner in a smaller window there is usually an arrangement which would appeal particularly to young people and children.
"During the first week in our new ground-floor location, a young woman was seen reading at the front window every day. The following week she came into the Reading Room to ask about the teachings of Christian Science and to borrow a copy of Science and Health from our free lending library. Since then she has come in occasionally to use the study room."
Still another librarian writes: "Our window display led a man to inquire about the meaning of a passage in the textbook. He told the librarian that he made a point of passing the window each morning in order to read something helpful before going to his work. Another window visitor was inspired to come into the room after reading a hymn in the Christian Science Hymnal. She was laboring with grief as a result of the passing of her father and found comfort in the truth of the one and only Father-Mother God, as explained to her by the attendant."
That the thought of one whose privilege it is to decorate the windows has great bearing on the scope of its activity is borne out in the following report from a librarian: "We arranged a display, the underlying theme of which was universal brotherhood. Translations of the textbook and other writings by our Leader, the various editions of The Herald of Christian Science, and some non-English pamphlets were assembled in an attractive window arrangement. Before the display was completed, someone came to purchase the French Edition of the Quarterly.
"Further fruitage followed. A French translation of Science and Health was sent to a colonel in the Lebanese Army; a woman purchased the French Edition of the textbook in order that she and her teacher might read it in that language; a copy of the new Danish translation of Science and Health was mailed to someone in Denmark; the small edition of 'Unity of Good by our Leader was sent to an American soldier, on a secret mission, stationed on a mountaintop in a remote section of the world; a copy of the Anniversary. Edition of the Monitor was sent lo a school in Ethiopia; and a large number of cards and pamphlets were mailed to individuals in England and France.
"We are grateful for these proofs that our Reading Room is helping to serve the world as well as our community."
In the light of these and similar experiences, many Reading Room workers will agree with the statement made by the librarian who writes, "We consider our Reading Room display window the most important window in town."
