“A library represents the mind of its collector, his fancies and foibles, his strength and weakness, his prejudices and preferences. Particularly is this the case if to the character of a collector he adds - or tries to add- the qualities of a student who wishes to know the books and the lives of the men who wrote them. The friendships of his life, the phases of his growth, the vagaries of his mind, all are represented.”
—Sir William Osler, 1919
Saint Mary’s mission overflows in all areas of campus life, including the recently renovated Thomas J Reilly Library and Research Center. The library is a place of beauty where students have the opportunity to encounter truths from authors whose books support and complement our rigorous curriculum. Encountering these truths, the students are inspired to lift up their minds and hearts in wonder and awe of the goodness revealed therein.
The library currently houses over 5,000 books in its growing collection of literary gems, including primary source documents, Great Books sets, varied translations of the classics, collections by respected authors, academic journals, and much more. Alongside our printed materials, the Library affords the opportunity for students to research and type papers on Surface Tablets and PCs, connecting to several databases the school is able to access through the Phoenix Public Library, Arizona State University and the Kino Institute.
Providing a space reflective of our mission, a space that is meditative and ennobling as well as welcoming and comfortable, is an important aspect in the library. There are several tables for the more rigorous individual and group work, while several lounge chairs are strategically placed for those seeking a more leisurely and relaxed atmosphere. The floor to ceiling windows on the north side of the library allow natural light to flood in and lighten the library, as well as provide unique views of the campus. Our handcrafted bookshelves lend a gravitas to the studious nature of the library. Saint statues in niches above the bookshelves remind us of the goal of our education: unity with God in this life and in the next. Artwork around the library allows the mind to be lifted creatively to the realities we study and experience.
Three additional rooms in the library have also been renovated: a conference room, book sale room, and nature lab. The nature lab is open for classes, particularly art and science classes, to come explore and creatively represent the intricate, exquisite, and profound realities of God’s creation through the study and examination of natural artifacts: rocks and minerals, shells, bones, taxidermy, and more. Currently, the book sale room has several shelves of duplicate copies of literary works, both fiction and non-fiction. Eventually, this room will become the site of our rare books and fine bindings room. Our conference room is available for meetings and is used on occasion for roundtable discussions in various classes.
