By Jill Colvin
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MIDTOWN — On Friday, The New York Public Library will open its doors with a new exhibit of sacred texts that it hopes will open viewers’ eyes and promote religious understanding.
The exhibit, at the library’s main Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, is titled "Three Faiths: Judaism, Christianity, Islam," and features holy texts, prayer books and other artifacts that are intended to show just how much the faiths share.
"We’re hoping to drive home the message that these three religions have infinitely more in common than they do difference," said Library President Paul LeClerc.
Viewers will have the chance to see gold amulets from Jordan, gilded 19th century Korans, 10th century gospels and a copy of The Bay Psalm Book, the first book printed in English in the Continental U.S.
Also on display is an elaborately decorated Megilah scroll from 1686, which tells the story of the Jewish holiday Purim, and has never been exhibited in its entirety before.
All of the 200 works on display are from the library’s own collection, the library’s director for education, programs and exhibitions, Elaine Charnov said.
LeClerk said he hopes the exhibit will promote inter-faith dialogue and encourage tolerance following a spate of alleged hate crimes across New York.
"I think the timing couldn’t be better," he said.
There’s also an interactive "Scriptorium" where visitors can learn about various types of ink and parchment and how ancient texts were made.
In addition to the Midtown exhibit, the library is also planning nearly 400 events in conjunction with the exhibit, including a series of discussions aimed at teens about different religious traditions at library branches across the city.
The library has also launched an online gallery, Faith on the Streets, where anyone can submit photos celebrating their faith.
The exhibit, which is free, is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Tours will be offered Monday through Saturday at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. and on Sundays at 3:30 p.m.
