The Mary Baker Eddy Library for the Betterment of Humanity
Cause Area
- Arts & Culture
- Education & Literacy
- Faith-Based
- Health & Medicine
- Women
Location
200 Massachusetts Ave.Boston, MA 02115 United StatesOrganization Information
Mission Statement
The Mary Baker Eddy Library for the Betterment of Humanity is a not-for-profit library/museum dedicated to providing common ground to explore: the power of ideas throughout history to inspire individuals and transform the world, the ongoing search for life's deeper meaning and the ideas, life, and achievements of Mary Baker Eddy. The Library was established in June 2000 by The Christian Science Board of Directors as a nondenominational, not-for-profit educational institution for the purpose of furthering the universal quest for spirituality and the science of being and their effect on health and human progress.
Description
The Library features contemporary and interactive exhibits including the well-known MappariumTM, the Quest Gallery, and the Monitor GalleryTM. The Library houses the Church-owned archives of an American woman who altered the landscape of science, religion, and medicine through her work and writings. The Mary Baker Eddy Library archives comprise one of the largest collections by and about an American woman. User-friendly access to the collections is provided to the general public by the Research Room staff. The Reference Room offers historic and contemporary context through 10,000 books, periodicals, and audiovisual materials focused on four core themes: Spirituality and Health, the Quest for Spirituality, Women and Leadership, and Mary Baker Eddy. The Library offers on-site and online educational programs and exhibits of interest to all ages. Programs include such series as Monitor BriefingsTM, America the SpiritualTM, Notes in the Atrium, and Summer SOULstice for children. The Library also features a gift shop and Quotes Cafe. Offsite, there are two historic homes of Mary Baker Eddy, in Chestnut Hill and Lynn, MA as well as a satellite location in Seneca Falls, NY. Admission to the Library and many of its programs is free. For exhibit admission charges, please see the website listed below. People who join the Friends of the Library program enjoy membership benefits that include a subscription to the Library magazine, discounts at the shop and Quotes Cafe, and free admission to Library exhibits.