Healer, thinker, reformer

By the end of her life, 19th century social and religious reformer Mary Baker Eddy had achieved enough to make any women’s rights activist proud. Eddy was both a healer who experimented with homeopathy and other alternative healing methods, and a thinker who believed that women should reach beyond the limiting role of “caregiver.” When theologians of her time dismissed her ideas, she founded her own religious movement, the Church of Christ, Scientist. A multimedia exhibit chronicling her life and achievements, “This is woman’s hour…”: The Life of Mary Baker Eddy, will be on display at the downtown Reno branch of the Washoe County Library through Jan. 29, with a reception held 6 p.m. Jan. 7. A smaller version of the exhibit is on display at the North Valleys branch through Jan. 28. Call the downtown branch, 327-8312, or the North Valleys branch, 972-0281 for more information.