The Lanier Theological Library’s 85,000 catalogued volumes and many historical artifacts are open to the public.[/caption]

A massive collection of historical artifacts and theological information the Lanier Theological Library houses treasures that biblical scholars, theologians and even the public can enjoy.

The brainchild of local attorney Mark Lanier, the library and its 85,000 catalogued volumes are open to the public free of charge. .

In addition to the seemingly endless rows of books, the library houses a number of historical pieces, including original works by C.S. Lewis, fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls, a first edition King James Bible, ancient coins and archaeological ceramic pieces.

“There is nothing like it in terms of quantity and quality in [southeast] Texas,” Library Director Charles Mickey said.

Although it is not a circulation library and books cannot be checked out by the public, scanners are provided for patrons to scan the pages of the many volumes on the shelves.

The library continues to amass resources by purchasing the collections of famous scholars, such as Florentino Garcia-Martinez, a Dead Sea Scrolls expert.

“I built the library that had books I wanted in it,” said Lanier, who also sought to feature rare items from around the world.

An original Dead Sea Scrolls fragment displaying ancient Hebrew can be viewed inside a display case at the library. Patrons can also view a facsimile of a Dead Sea Scroll dating back to 200 B.C.

“It is one of the most thrilling parts of the library,” Lanier said.

Library staff members and volunteers lead daily afternoon tours lasting from half an hour to an hour. In addition, the library conducts six public lectures annually during the academic school year and has played host to celebrated speakers, such as U.S. Supreme Court Justice  Antonin Scalia and professors from top universities.

“We wanted to put together a library that would be a world-class library that would draw scholars all around the world to use,” Lanier said.

Mickey said the public will also appreciate the facility’s aesthetics.

“The beauty of this place is unrivaled,” he said. “It’s like a little slice of England.”

Lanier, founder of the Lanier Law Firm and a pastor, followed his passion for theology to build the library in 2010. Prior to constructing the building, Lanier said he traveled to Oxford University in Oxford, England to visit his son, a philosophy graduate student, and asked him to show him around campus.

In a single day, the Spring attorney took measurements of some of Oxford’s famous libraries. Lanier designed a mash-up of his favorite libraries as an architectural template on the airplane ride back to the U.S.

Lanier and his crew spent six months laying down the foundation and constructing the facility to his specifications using salvaged materials he purchased himself from other buildings.

Without the help of an architect or an engineer, the library opened in October 2010.