St Tikhon's Library

Welcome to St. Tikhon's Library

Nestled in the serene surroundings of Saint Tikhons Road, Pennsylvania, St. Tikhon's Library stands as a beacon of knowledge and spirituality. Established in 1938 in honor of the revered Bishop of North America, later Archbishop and Patriarch, St. Tikhon (Belavin), our library serves as the heart of academic life at the Seminary.

Our Collections

Our extensive and ever-growing collection boasts over 50,000 items, including approximately 36,000 volumes and 230 current periodicals, with a special focus on Orthodox Eastern Christianity. We emphasize the fields of Church History, Patristics, and Hagiography. Our Slavic Collection, featuring around 12,000 monograph and periodical titles, offers a rich tapestry of East European and Pre-1917 Russian theological works and devotional literature, making it a valuable resource for scholars at all academic levels.

Access and Facilities

Our collections are accessible to everyone, regardless of religious beliefs, ethnic background, or gender. Visitors can explore our resources through public access terminals located throughout the library, and seminarians enjoy dedicated Internet workstations and a modern Computer Lab. For those interested in art and history, the John S. and Lucille J. Guzey Collection of Icons and Antiquities, housed in the Monastery Icon Repository and Museum, offers an unparalleled glimpse into the largest collection of icons in North America.

Membership and Partnerships

St. Tikhon's Library is proud to be an institutional member of both the American Theological Library Association (ATLA) and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Theological Library Association (SEPTLA). Our students and faculty benefit from direct borrowing privileges at all SEPTLA member institutions, encompassing over 2,000,000 volumes in theology and related disciplines. Additionally, they have the privilege of accessing the nearby Marywood University Learning Resources Center and the Library at the State University of New York (SUNY) in Binghamton.

Visiting Us

While our standard hours are posted, we may open on Saturdays and at other times at the discretion of our staff. We recommend calling ahead, especially during Orthodox Feast days and holidays, to ensure we are open. Please feel free to enter if the door is open and kindly leave before the scheduled closing time. Should you need a book when the library is closed, do not hesitate to call us for assistance.

We invite you to explore the rich resources and peaceful atmosphere of St. Tikhon's Library, where history, faith, and knowledge come together in a harmonious blend.