Last summer, over 5,000 library executives from around the world attended the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) in Boston. Many attended tours offered by The Mary Baker Eddy Library for the Betterment of Humanity, and were interested to learn of its purpose and scope. Gloria Sarku, a senior researcher from Ghana, Africa, presented gifts to the Library, representing fruitfulness, prosperity, and wisdom. In her comments, she explained that she wanted to be part of the gathering, and to feel within herself the spirit of the place. She told Journal senior writer Kim Shippey:
"For me it's been a wonderful day, and I don't quite know how to express my feelings. What I've learned is that the life [struggle] of Mrs. Eddy is similar to what many African women are going through right now. For me, it is so relevant and significant, that I hope to pursue this cause further, and I really look forward to seeing the Library opened.
"People are doing so many things in society today—running here, running there, making money, talking about information technology, going to space—that they have forgotten about humanity, which is at the very heart of life. So to me, this venture is very, very important. It's exciting when any library opens. But this one is exceptional, because its purpose is for the betterment of humanity."
