Sponsor a Shelf
The Library of the Community of the Resurrection is a wondrously diverse collection of books occupying rooms on each floor of the house. With over 60,000 volumes, it is vast, and we are privileged to house some volumes which can only be found in this Library in the UK.
While its strength is in biblical, liturgical and theological studies, there are extensive sections on history, biography, art and literature. Used by brethren, ordinands, external readers and those staying with CR for a sabbatical or study period, this private monastic library is publicly accessible to a wide range of people.
Funding such a large, important resource is paramount in our wish to look after the collection for present and future generations.
We have been successfully applying for grants for the Library, and will continue to do so. In addition, though, we want to give our many individual supporters an opportunity to also ‘invest’ in the Library. So, we have created a ‘Sponsor-a-Shelf’ scheme, whereby for £5 a month, paid by standing order, you can make a personal and effective contribution to the CR Library, and even choose a particular subject area for your donation.
Unless you choose to remain anonymous, your name (and, where applicable, the name of a person on whose behalf you have made the gift) will be on display in the library, as a record of your generous support.
As a sponsor, you will get a photo of the shelf within the subject area of your choice and updates of how your contribution is being spent.
If you are interested in sponsoring a shelf, please email Barbara Clarke or phone 01924 483346.
Library Cataloguing Project 2024/2025
We are attempting to raise funds to employ a Library Assistant to work on our Cataloguing Project. The Community Library is a large library, with over 60,000 volumes, 200 journal titles and 12,000 pamphlets (& tracts). The Library Assistant would work with a team of volunteers to catalogue the pamphlets & tracts.
The Collection
The pamphlets and tracts in the collection date from early 19th Century to present day. They cover many topics such as The Bible, Philosophy, Liturgy, Pastoral, Mission, Doctrine, Other Religions, Music, Marriage, and more! Early pamphleteers include members of the Oxford Movement, CR, C.S Lewis, William Temple, Frederick Engels, Thomas Merton and Rowan Williams in the 20th century. From the mid to late 20th century onwards, the pamphlets are more informational than used for controversy. They include material from many established publishers including Church of England (General Synod/House of Bishops) Grove, Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge and Historical Association.
Within the ‘Pamphlet Collection’ the tracts reside. We have around 300 bound volumes containing hundreds of tracts. These religious pamphlets were specifically published in the 19th and early 20th Century. The bound tracts have been curated by their original owners. (Please click here for more information about the original owners.)
The collection includes, Tracts of our Times produced by members of the Oxford Movement (Anglo/Catholic revival group from 1833-1841). It has about a dozen authors, some of them leaders of the movement. These include John Keble, John Henry Newman and Edward Bouverie Pusey. The tracts succeeded in drawing attention to the views of the Oxford Movement on point of doctrine. This was because tracts could be distributed widely and cost pennies. The first tracts appeared in 1833. The Tract Collection is of theological, ecclesiastical, historical, social and political significance. (Please click here for more information about the significance of the collection).
We are very grateful for any donation you are able to make towards this project. If you would like to support the Library Cataloguing Project please click here to make a donation.
If you would like further information about this project please click here to contact the Librarian.