Our library is open to everyone after meeting on Sundays. Most of the books can be borrowed.
We have a selection of introductory books about Quakers (or ‘Friends’), which are available to borrow. Our librarian is very happy to help suggest books about particular aspects of Quakerism or others on more general spiritual themes.
There is also a collection of books covering the following topics:
- Quaker Biography
- Quaker History
- Theology
- Environment
- Social Issues
- Peace & Justice
- Fiction & Poetry
- Psychology & Lifestyle
We also have quite a few books that don’t fall neatly into any one of these categories!
Friends suggest new titles and we try to keep them as up-to-date and topical as we can.
In addition to the books, we also have a small selection of DVDs/CDs and subscribe to The Friend (weekly Quaker magazine), Friends Quarterly and Ethical Consumer magazine.
New books in our library in 2019
What do Quakers Believe? by Geoffrey Durham
‘The clearest introduction to Quakers I have read.
Beautifully and clearly written, this book brings Quakerism to life in a very accessible way.’
Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds, broadcaster and writer
Seen and Unseen – ways of being along Quaker and Buddhist paths by Peter Jarman
Peter Jarman is a Buddhist Quaker, a Fellow of the Institute of Physics and a member of the Sea of Faith movement.
In this Kindlers booklet he describes the seen and unseen in Quaker and Buddhist faith and practice, and in the Sea of Faith movement. He also focuses on our universe and its fundamental particles, interactions and energies. They will reveal their wonder and beauty, and their anchor on to what is ultimate reality, seen and unseen.
Telling the Truth about God by Rhiannon Grant
‘…an admirably informed, clear-sighted and open-minded exploration of that knottiest of subjects: the Quaker view of God.’
Jennifer Kavanagh, author of The World is our Cloister
William Penn – A Life by Andrew R Murphy
The first new biography of William Penn in almost fifty years.
‘Andrew Murphy begins by portraying William Penn neither as a statue on a pedestal nor a cartoon on a cereal box but as an old man in a debtors’ prison. He then unfolds the tale of an admirably complicated figure – a terrible businessman yet a brilliant colonial promoter, a confidant of kings yet a member of a despised sect, a man of deep spiritual conviction yet a fierce advocate of religious liberty…a remarkable achievement.’
If you have read any of these books and would like to write a very short review for the website, please do!