THOMAS MERTON READING ROOM

The Thomas Merton Reading Room at the Vancouver School of Theology in Vancouver, British Columbia is a unique repository in Canada serving the whole of western North America. The room, which is handsomely appointed and located conveniently next to the VST Library Circulation Desk, contains virtually all of the published works by and about Thomas Merton, whom many regard as one of the most important spiritual writers of the twentieth century. In addition to books and articles the Merton Room contains audiovisual materials related to Merton’s life and works including the talks he gave to the novices of the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky in the 1960s.

The works in the Merton Room are non-circulating so that anyone, including the scholar or general reader, may find the collection available at any time the library is open. All are welcome to visit the collection and to become acquainted with the life and writings of Thomas Merton, whose influence internationally continues to grow and whose appeal to those of various religious backgrounds and indeed of no formal religious background continues to be felt. Stemming from a nomadic background in Europe and America, Merton’s journey from uninhibited university student to Trappist monk, from the sources of Western contemplative thought to those of Zen Buddhism, continues to fascinate readers interested in contemporary spiritual thought.

Please visit www.vst.edu for a list of current holdings and the library’s hours of operation