One of the most influential pieces of modern day literature, The King James Bible, is now on display at the High Library through Feb. 21.
Meant as a political and theological compromise, the King James Bible would eventually unite the church that was accepted in everyday society and the growing Puritan movement. The exhibit is spreading the word about the celebration of the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible, despite the fact that its anniversary was in 2011. It is travelling to rural areas rather than big cities or places with easy access to big cities, which makes Elizabethtown College just right for the exhibition.
Exhibits such as these are not often set up in small towns or small communities, and Etown is an area where the Bible has been a big influence. The King James Bible was the first translation of the Bible, which makes the exhibition a really big deal.
The point of the exhibit is to go to “areas where the library institution could connect with its regional impact,” Louise Hyder-Darlington, access services librarian, said.
According to first-year Mary Kendrick, who attended the exhibit, “the Bible’s influence can hit anyone, regardless of what size school they go to.”“I have seen some of the most spiritual people at Etown, and when I visit bigger schools like Millersville, I have seen spirituality lacking.”
She went on to make another good point about how anyone from any walk of life can be influenced by the King James Bible, and it would be unfair of the exhibit to only go to bigger schools.
Hyder-Darlington explained that the school wrote a grant proposal, part of which stated the intent to showcase this exhibit. There are 14 panels of information that represent the actual exhibit from Oxford, England.
The 14 panels contain information about the creation of the King James Bible as well as the impact it has had on our lives.
There are five display cases that showcase pieces of Bibles which will be displayed around campus. For those who would like to borrow an iPad or scan a code on their smartphone or other smart device, an audio tour is available. This can be done anytime the library is open for normal business hours.
There are various programs centered around the exhibit. One of them was an opening reception on Saturday, Feb. 2. Information on the other special programs offered is available on the College website.
For additional information, there is a YouTube channel with 15 videos that expand upon the impact of the exhibit in our community. Hyder-Darlington explained, “the most important thing to know is that the exhibit is here anytime the library is open, and it is free and open to the public.”