LETTER:Theological library finds a welcome home at Lambeth Palace
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.From The Rev Canon A. E. Harvey
Sir: It should not be inferred from your report on Sion College Library (9 June) that readers who at present have to struggle with the inadequacies of the library necessarily agree with the views of the librarian and oppose the policy being pursued by the Court of Governors. I have, myself, used and supported the library for over 30 years and greatly value the resources it offers, but I recognize that the arguments against seeking to preserve it in its present form are decisive.
The building itself is barely suited to housing an important library; neither the conservation of valuable books nor the needs of present-day readers can be adequately provided for, and these drawbacks have been compounded by the fact that the only partner that could be found to share the use and the expenses of the building has been a City luncheon club for whose members it would have been unreasonable to impose a ban on smoking! Most important of all, the sheer size of the collection has long outstripped the capacity of shelving, arrangement and cataloguing to provide a working library that is anything but daunting to all but the most persevering of students.
The proposal, therefore, to secure a better environment for the historic collection at Lambeth Palace and to find a new and permanent home for the modern books where they can be made available as an up-to-date and easily accessible theological library is warmly to be welcomed.
Yours faithfully,
ANTHONY HARVEY
Canon of Westminster
and Librarian
Westminster Abbey
London, SW1
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments