About the Rosicrucian Research Library

Wherever AMORC made its headquarters, Dr. Lewis set up a library for use of the staff and members. In 1916, when the headquarters of the Order was in New York City, a library was located on the second floor, directly above the executive offices. Later, when the Order's headquarters moved to San Francisco, there was a "fine reading room, and a very large library of the best occult, mystical and metaphysical books obtainable."

When AMORC moved to Tampa, Florida, in 1925, the Order maintained a metaphysical library that also operated as a public reading room. Shortly after the move to San José in late 1927, a library was formed once more. When the Rosicrucian Planetarium was built in 1936, these books were placed in the private wing of the new building.

Realizing the need for a larger facility, Ralph M. Lewis, then Supreme Secretary of AMORC and later Imperator, drew up a proposal for a new Library building, and the work began! Members generously donated money, time and books to this initiative. Since June 19, 1939, the collection's core has grown in its present home, from the personal libraries of Rosicrucian Park founder Dr. H. Spencer Lewis and that of his son, Ralph M. Lewis, who established the Library, through the generosity of members and friends of the Order.

According to the dedicatory address in 1939, the Library "was to be devoted not to a mere preservation of established and accumulated knowledge, but would be used, in addition, to push outwards the boundaries of learning to add to that which is already known." Now, at the dawn of the new millennium, the Library, having celebrated its 65th anniversary, remains dynamic, digitalizing its catalog, planning for a state-of-the-art Library facility, and continuing to be a treasured resource for scholars, mystics and seekers. The exhibit gives a glimpse into the Collection's treasured history, and its promise for continuing service during the 21st century.

-- Materials adapted and updated, based on Clara E. Campbell, SRC, "The 50th Anniversary of the Rosicrucian Research Library," Rosicrucian Digest 67:5 (September/October 1989), 15-18.

Find out more information about the Library (Rosicrucian Website)