Report from Dornach
In June, the library’s Executive Director, Zoï Doehrer, attended The Presence of Rudolf Steiner’s Works Today, an inaugural conference for librarians, editors, and publishers globally who deal with the written work of Rudolf Steiner. (A big thank-you to all patrons who supported this trip by donating to cover the expenses!)
Headed by Constanza Kaliks, Peter Selg, and Andrea de la Cruz, the conference brought together almost 50 people to discuss the future of the written work of Steiner. Zoï ended up being the only representative from the USA, and was proud to be representing the Rudolf Steiner Library abroad.
Highlights for Zoï included meeting with Peter Selg and telling him more about our special collection in New York, and meeting with the director of the Goetheanum’s library and comparing these ‘sister’ institutions. The beautiful library there contains 100,000 books alone, plus periodicals and archival materials. The visit to this library was very inspiring for Zoï and confirmed to her that we are on the right path with our library here in Hudson. Our 50,000 items put us in the top 5 anthroposophical libraries in the world, and make us the biggest collection of English-language Steiner books in the world!
The conference included a behind-the-scenes tour of the Rudolf Steiner Archiv in Haus Duldeck, where conference attendees were able to hold original materials that Steiner had handwritten. The archive houses over 10,000 books from Steiner’s personal collection, including books from which he had cut out substantial sections in order to travel more lightly by carrying only the essential pages!
Another highlight was visiting the Ita Wegman Archive in Arlesheim. Peter Selg gave a special tour for interested parties, and we were able to see items such as Wegman’s death mask, Steiner’s suitcase, and more. It was a very special atmosphere at the Wegman House, curated by Selg.
Zoï met colleagues from around the world during the conference and was able to make important connections for the future of the Rudolf Steiner Library. Sharing ideas and getting feedback globally was an invaluable experience. While she wished that the overall dialogue of the conference would have focused more specifically on libraries, it was an enlightening experience and plans are already in motion for a 2nd conference.
A theme that persisted through the conference was the need for national and global networks that would connect all of us who work closely with the written works of Steiner. Nationally, Zoï envisions this as an opportunity to connect more meaningfully with Branch libraries across the country, offering resources to elevate and highlight their collections. As the national anthroposophical library in America, we wish to be of service to individuals as well as Branches working out of anthroposophy.
Another theme that sparked inspiration was discussion about 2025 being the 100-year anniversary of Steiner’s passing. Each person who attended the conference was given the task of creating some time of commemorative event at their institution (libraries, book shops, or publishing houses) that would highlight a text from Steiner and perhaps have lectures around it. We are already pondering how best to commemorate his passing here at the Rudolf Steiner Library and welcome your suggestions and hopes!
In conclusion, the conference was an exciting beginning of what we hope will be a global collaboration of colleagues working out of similar impulses to preserve and proliferate the written works of Rudolf Steiner.
Benefit for Rudolf Steiner Library!
What: World Music Concert & Dance by Jutta & the Hi-Dukes
When: Sunday, November 19th, 2023 at 4pm
Where: Mettabee Farm & Arts, 551 Harlemville Rd, Hillsdale, NY 12529
On Sunday, November 19th at 4pm, Jutta & the Hi-Dukes ™ will be performing a concert and dance to benefit the Rudolf Steiner Library! This world music band from Chicago will play their unique, eclectic mix of ethnic music at Mettabee Farm followed by a joyful community dance where the band will teach and lead simple traditional line and circle dances from many different cultures. All proceeds to benefit the Rudolf Steiner Library. Potluck dinner after dancing. It will be an afternoon of great music for a great cause!
