The library at Cincinnati Friends Meeting currently has about 1,700 books, pamphlets, videos, and compact discs. The collection focuses on books by and about Quakers, as well as works on peace, meditation, mysticism, spiritual discipline, scholarly Bible aids from a Friends perspective, theology, and Christian history. Feel free to browse our catalog. The library also includes a computer with wireless Internet access, as well as some historical material that must remain within the library but can be viewed with the permission of the Meeting. The library is open to the public after worship on Sundays and during the office hours posted on our Home page. However, we recommend that you call the office at 791-0788 prior to stopping by during the week, as the hours are sometimes subject to change. When you borrow material from the library, please put your name, telephone number, and the date that you borrowed the material on the associated card, and place it in the card file alphabetically by the author or producer's name. Items can be borrowed for up to two months.

 

If you are interested in learning more about Quakerism, we recommend the following works, some of which are available from our library:

Friends for 350 Years by Howard H. Brinton. This is the updated edition of Brinton’s classic overview of basic Quaker understandings, practices, and history. Topics covered include the Light within, meeting for worship, vocal ministry, reaching decisions, the meeting community, the meeting and the world, and the four periods of Quaker history (now updated to include the last 50 years).

The Quakers in America by Thomas Hamm. This multifaceted book is a concise history of the Religious Society of Friends; an introduction to its beliefs and practices; and a vivid picture of the culture and controversies of the Friends today.

The Journal of George Fox. This autobiography of one of the founders of the Quaker movement describes his spiritual journey from the time he was a young boy, through his spiritual crisis at the age of nineteen, and the development of his own understanding of God and interpretation of the Bible, laying the basis for the Religious Society of Friends.

The Journal of John Woolman. John Woolman is best known for his role in convincing others in the Religious Society of Friends to withdraw from the slave trade and stop holding slaves. Woolman also contributed insights into the nature of war and conflict, wealth and simplicity, right livelihood, and spiritual humility.