Centrally located just a block off 5th Avenue South in the heart of Old Naples, the Christian Science Reading Room has been a part of this community since 1960. Its bright, cheery atmosphere reflects the joy of church members who lovingly serve here.

The wide front window display offers an attractive greeting to pedestrians. Marked texts from the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy give spiritual inspiration to everyone walking by. Because the Reading Room is situated so close to the town’s upscale shops, galleries and restaurants, it attracts many vacationers.

The front sales room provides all the current merchandise, concisely displayed in shelves and wall units. The interior décor is light and airy, with ample space provided for comfortable, quiet study in the second room. There are three areas in which to read the Weekly Bible Lesson from marked books. A computer with high speed Internet connection allows for further research and a kid’s area offers books little ones can understand. Bookcases are filled with bound volumes of the periodicals English as well as bound volumes of Heralds in German, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Braille.

According to librarian Marilyn Davis, "Naples is well-known in Europe as a great vacation spot, so we have many visitors from Germany, the UK and other European countries year-in, year-out. We also sell many Spanish editions of Science and Health."

In addition to the lending library, the Naples Reading Room provides current issues of the periodicals in the study room and an A-to-Z catalog of pamphlets on a wide range of topics.

From time to time, 5th Avenue becomes the center for special festivals and the street is closed off for pedestrian traffic only. During the festival’s evening activities, the Reading Room may also be open from 6 to 8 pm.

Marilyn and local church members have also been instrumental in acquiring and re-distributing Bound Volume sets to Reading Rooms needing them, in Florida, Grenada and "all over."

Whether you’re a summer or winter traveler, the Christian Science Reading Room is just a few steps away from Naples’ best shopping and dining experience. Stop in and say hi when you’re in the area.