A few steps down the curving hall beyond the Oratory on the lower level of the monastery building, the library is open for use by all members of our communities and guests. It houses over 5,000 books on monasticism, liturgy, ecumenism, biblical studies and spirituality with emphasis on ecospirituality, contemplation and the divine feminine.
In addition, we have several specialized sections. The Friends of Wisdom Prairie collection gathers popular works on ecology and nature, including field guides to flora and fauna that might be spotted while exploring the land. Magazines from Oneing to Orion and from Tablet to Time are there for browsing, with back issues available under their lift-up display shelves. For preachers and teachers, a homily resource shelf is kept seasonally updated. There is even a shelf of eclectic works written by Sunday Assembly members.
Of course the library has comfy seating and workspaces, as well as a small courtyard outside the patio doors which can be transformed into a charming reading spot. While library materials are chiefly intended for use in the library, retreatants may take books to their rooms.
Stop in anytime the building is open for rest and refreshment, and feel free to email nfromm@holywisdommonastery.org to reach Nichole, the librarian, with any inquiries.