Our literature has proved to be such a valuable asset in the successful evangelistic campaign as to be worthy of greater prominence, and to produce an artistic and effective display of literature requires thoughtful, careful planning. Of first importance is the selection of the place in which to locate the display; and from personal experience in connection with tent and theater efforts, I am convinced that right at this point there is room for much improvement.
As a rule, our publications are piled on a table, located at the rear of the tent, and no special effort is made to direct attention to the literature table. When the meeting is dismissed, the people crowd down the aisles toward the exit, and in the rush the literature table is quite unnoticed. Consequently, the truth-filled literature, which should go with the people to their homes as a reminder and further instructor in the message delivered by the evangelist, largely remains on the obscure little table at the back of the tent.
I believe that it is just as important for the literature display to be arranged with a due sense of propriety and dignity as it is to provide a suitably arranged pulpit for the evangelist. May I suggest several types of device for literature display which have served to good advantage in a tent effort?
1. The Counter Type of Book Display.—By placing this counter inside the main pavilion, to the left of the entrance, it will be found convenient for handling literature and will readily attract the attention of the people as they leave the tent. Beneath this counter provision can be made for storing books when meetings are not in progress. This space should be lined with oilcloth to protect the stock in rainy weather, and a lock provided for safe-keeping. The woodwork of this display device should be neatly painted. The front, top, and background can be covered with green burlap. Attractive posters may be tacked about the top. Ample lighting facilities are essential in making an attractive literature display. This feature is most essential.
2. The Lock-up Type of Booth for Book Display.—While not elaborate, this design is symmetrical and dignified in appearance. It is handy, and makes it possible to arrange various displays of literature in a very attractive manner. On the inside of the booth shelves should be provided to hold reserve stock. Projecting counters on three sides of this booth may be hinged to the booth so that they swing upward, and form a part of the walls of the booth when locked. The under braces of the counter can be hinged to it, and form a corner trimming on the booth when folded up. The woodwork should be painted, and dark-green burlap cover the counters inside and out, also the outer wall down to the baseboards. Electric lights, fastened on the inside, can be entirely hidden from view and yet flood the counters with light.
3. Folding Literature Stand.—For smaller meetings, this has many advantages. While not as large as the counter or booth devices, it provides sufficient display space for the literature required in connection with a single meeting or during the special services of a day. As with the other devices, by covering the inside of the stand, and all exposed surfaces, with dark-green burlap, the display can be made neat and attractive. A poster placed back of the stand will serve to attract attention to the book display. Rightly made, this portable stand can be completely folded up to assume the shape of a steamer trunk, which is very convenient in case of transportation. Or, after being padlocked, it can safely be left standing until the next meeting.
Display of Small Literature
In addition to the larger devices, provision should be made for racks and holders for magazines, tracts, and other "free literature." It is often the case that a person fails to get the literature which is handed out during meeting, and it is well to announce a definite place where supplies of such literature are constantly available. Some may desire to secure extra copies for their friends, but hesitate to ask for a supply, and are glad to take advantage of the "free literature" device. It is always well to bear in mind these smaller items in connection with the display of more pretentious literature, for tiny seeds of interest, planted in prepared soil, often develop into sturdy plants of fruitfulness.
Appropriate Choice of Literature
In connection with the study of appropriate devices for attractive display of literature, attention should be given to selecting the right literature to display at the right time. The evangelist aims to present the various subjects of a series in definite order, and regards this as a very important feature of his work. But at times the order of subjects must be changed, to suit local opportunities or needs. It is important that the books or other literature placed on display shall harmonize with the order of subjects presented.
Many of our denominational books cover more than one subject, and because of this fact are not so suitable for sale in connection with the presentation of a special subject, for when purchased, the book will furnish the reader with information in advance of what the evangelist has had opportunity to present, and may thereby detract from the interest in forthcoming lectures. To announce to the public through the literature display just what the evangelist will speak on several nights later, tends to take the edge off the interest. I believe that this has sometimes caused a waning of interest during a series of meetings. If certain of our denominational books could be sold to the public a chapter at a time, there would be decided advantage in connection with an evangelistic campaign. Discretion should also be used in placing on sale various books dealing with the same subject matter. The public objects to paying for duplicate printed matter, and in order to avoid this difficulty there should be thorough examination of literature, and the selection made which will be most appropriate for sale at the specified time.
San Fernando, Calif.
