Asatru is a tradition rooted in study and learning. Often described as the ‘Religion with homework’. To pursue our faith we need to pursue knowledge. Unfortunately not everyone has access to the resources allowing them to study. Purchasing books for a personal, or even kindred a library gets expensive quickly. While most public libraries have something related to paganism in general and sometimes Asatru specifically, the selections are limited. We would like everyone in our community to have equal access to resources.
“Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.”
~ Kofi Annan Former Secretary-General of the United Nations
This brings us to the Heathen Library Project. We are going to create a digital library. Our community will be able check out e-books and audiobooks related to Norse Pagan paths. Additionally, members will have access to a catalog of academic articles and public domain texts related to Asatru. This greatly reduces the work needed to find good information, and allows all members of our community to learn.
A Library for Heathens
Project Details
This project is designed to gather resources on Heathenry and related subjects. These resources will be made available by login in to The Asatru Community website.
- Religious Practice of Asatru/ Norse Paganism
- Eddic texts and Saga translations
- Neopagan Books
- Spiritual concepts related to Heathenry
- Animism
- Breathwork & Meditation
- Anglo-Saxon & Scandinavian History
- Practical Application
- Runes
- Rituals & Devotions
- Seidr
Digital Library
Libby is a digital reading platform for libraries and schools worldwide. It delivers a large catalog of ebooks, audiobooks and other digital media. It is a product of OverDrive, Inc. We will be working with the OverDrive team of libraries and resource specialists to make a digital library tailored to our community needs. This will require fundraising to get started but the cost will be well worth it in the long run as we build a collection of resources to serve and support our community.
Link Database
The second part of the Heathen Library Project will be a catalog of links. Focusing on academic articles and resources that are available in the public domain. These materials are wonderful resources but they are often challenging to find. We will not be focusing on including them in our digital library but we will gather links for easy access.
“The very existence of libraries affords the best evidence that we may yet have hope for the future of man” ― T.S. Eliot
—
Fundraiser
We are turning to our community to help create this resource.
Cost Break down
After consulting with Overdrive
| Hosting Fee | $ 750 for 1 year |
| Minimum Required Content Credit | $2000 annually |
| Multiyear hosting fee | $1500 for 3 years (Savings of $750) |
| Minimum needed for 1 Year Library Cost | ~ $ 2750 Goal $3000 (extra to cover taxes and added fees) |
| Minimum needed for 3 Year Library Cost | ~ $ 7500 Goal $8000 (extra to cover taxes and added fees) |
Additional funds will be used to expand our catalog.
Fundraising
We will be accepting Donations through our PayPal. We already have it prepared and it has fewer fees compared to common fundraising platforms.
To inspire our community, we will be mimicking a Kickstarter campaign. More details of the Fundraiser and levels explained below. We are going to post regular updates.
To honor our donors, we’re bringing Yggdrasil to life!
A life without knowledge is gray.
As donations come in, we will color in the tree and fill the background with the names of our donors.
Various amounts listed below will add elements to the artwork. While miscellaneous donations will color in the trunk.
Donation Levels
Leaves of Yggdrasil
$10-25
We will add a leaf to our fundraiser tree and your name will be added to our list of donors.
(The amount will change the coloration of the leaf added to the tree)
Rune stone
$50
A donation of $50 or more will add a rune stone to the well of Mimir.
We will draw a rune and add it to the art work.
(Limited to 24)
Branches
$100
A donation of $100 we will add color to one of the reaching branches of the World Tree.
(Limited ~15)
Roots
$200
A donation of $200 or more will bring to life a root of Yggdrasil as it dips into the well.
Limited ~ 5
The Norn
$300
Donations of $300 dollars or more will add a Norn watering the world tree helping us grow. The name of the individual or group will be written with the Norn.
Limited to 3
The Well of Mimir
$500
A single Donation of $500 or more will have the honor of illuminate the well of Mimir for our Fundraiser image.
The name of the individual or group will be written in the ripples of the well.