The assignment: take stacks of letters, sermons, manuscripts, and reminiscences in the collections of The Mary Baker Eddy Library for the Betterment of Humanity; choose only enough for a 45-minute live reading at 2002 Annual Meeting & Conference. It was a somewhat daunting but also inspiring task for who did the selecting. In the presentation, Anne read letters and other writings by the Library's namesake, Mary Baker Eddy; read letters or reminiscences by women other than Mrs. Eddy; and was the voice of men who worked for or corresponded with her. They recently discussed how "Live Readings" came about and some of the insights they gained.
Anne: When Chet Manchester [the Library's creative director] asked me to put together the readings, I initially felt that they shouldn't just be an overview of the collection or chronology of events. I felt that there was an important story to tell and a message for us today in Mrs. Eddy's own words and in the words of those working closely with her.
As I read through the material, I flagged things that struck me. There were so many statements showing Mrs. Eddy's love for the world, and what it cost her to do what she did. I also looked for little insights into her life, personal details, and things that might be humorous. Then I put together a story line that was also faithful to the chronology.
