There are many ways to explore Quaker faith and practice, and we invite you to do so at whatever pace feels right for you. From websites and videos to pamphlets and books, each resource offers a different window into Quaker life, whether through our meeting's history, personal stories, or spiritual reflection. You might also explore how we worship and the life of our meeting as you find your way. We hope you'll follow your curiosity, take your time, and know that questions and conversations are always welcome here.
Our meeting maintains a private lending library located onsite at Arch Street Meeting House, available to all our members and attenders. The collection includes over 700 books and is searchable through our online catalogue. Our holdings continue to grow in response to the needs of our community; if you'd like to suggest a purchase, please reach out to a member of the Outreach Committee's library group.
The following resources have resonated with many in our meeting and come recommended from across our community. This list is by no means exhaustive, but it offers a range of entry points into Quakerism, the faith, and its practice.
Faith and Practice: Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (2018 Edition) is an essential text for any Friend, offering a grounding in Quaker belief, testimony, and the collective wisdom of our yearly meeting. Our meeting makes copies available to members and attenders; if you would like one, speak to a member of the Outreach Committee after worship. To learn more, visit our Faith & Practice page.
Podcasts and YouTube videos can be a great starting point for newcomers, making it easy to encounter Quaker voices, stories, and ideas wherever you are and at your own pace.
Short-form pamphlets and periodicals are an accessible and often deeply personal way to engage with Quaker thought; those from Pendle Hill, a Quaker study center and retreat, are particularly valued for their spiritual depth and range of perspectives.
In Quakerism, "practice" refers to the ways Friends structure their spiritual lives together and individually, including silent worship, decision-making by consensus, and the testimonies of simplicity, equality, peace, and integrity.
These books explore the inward dimensions of Quaker life, attending to questions of presence, listening, simplicity, and the experience of the divine.
These books trace the origins and development of Quakerism, offering context for understanding how the tradition has evolved and endured across more than three centuries.
Your path into this community is your own. We encourage you to explore these resources alongside the life of our meeting, through Sunday worship, committees, and the many other ways Friends gather. If you have questions or simply want to talk, the Outreach Committee is here for you. You can reach us through our Contact Us page.