Deseret Book has long been a cornerstone of Latter-day Saint (LDS) culture, serving as both a publisher and retailer of religious and cultural materials. Founded in 1850, the company has grown into a significant entity within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offering a wide array of books, art, music, and other merchandise that reflect the values and teachings of the faith. As an essential part of LDS communities across the United States and beyond, Deseret Book plays a unique role in shaping how members engage with their religion and each other.
This article explores what Deseret Book is, its historical significance, and its ongoing impact on LDS communities. We will also examine some of the challenges and changes it has faced, particularly regarding representation and inclusivity, as well as its evolving role in the modern era.
The Origins and Evolution of Deseret Book
Deseret Book was established in 1850 in Salt Lake City, Utah, by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Initially, it served as a publishing house for religious texts and educational materials, but over time, it expanded to include a broader range of products. Today, it is owned by the Church and operates as a commercial enterprise, though it remains deeply tied to the church’s mission and values.
The company’s early years were marked by the publication of foundational works such as James E. Talmage’s Jesus the Christ and LeGrand Richards’ A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, which have become cornerstones of LDS theology. These publications not only provided spiritual guidance but also helped establish Deseret Book as a trusted source of religious content.
Over the decades, Deseret Book has continued to grow, adding new categories of products such as art, music, and even jewelry. Its stores, located in various cities, have become gathering places for LDS members who seek out religious literature, gifts, and community events.
Leadership and Vision
Laurel Day, the current president of Deseret Book, has played a pivotal role in guiding the company through a period of change and growth. She took over as president in 2021 after previously serving in various leadership roles within the organization. Day has spoken openly about her vision for the future of Deseret Book, emphasizing the need to better represent the diverse membership of the Church and to foster more inclusive content.
One of Day’s key priorities is to ensure that Deseret Book reflects the full spectrum of LDS experiences, including those of women, people of color, and individuals from different cultural backgrounds. “For a really long time, we were focused on a white American church,” she noted in an interview. “So one of our key priorities is to make sure that we’re doing a better job representing the wide range of members of the church.”
Day also highlighted the importance of addressing sensitive topics, such as the Church’s past policies on race and priesthood. Through initiatives like the “Let’s Talk About” series, Deseret Book has sought to provide members with accurate and thoughtful resources to engage with these complex issues.
Content and Curation
Deseret Book’s editorial board plays a critical role in determining what is published and sold. While the company maintains strict guidelines for the content it carries, it is not directly controlled by the Church. This distinction is important, as it allows for a degree of independence in the selection process.
However, this independence has not always been without controversy. In 2023, Deseret Book removed Tim Ballard’s books from its shelves after concerns arose about the content and its alignment with Church teachings. Day acknowledged that the decision was difficult but necessary. “We always knew that those books were his personal opinion,” she said. “But, frankly, I think anyone who was involved in those decisions would tell you that it’s a decision that they would like to have back.”
This incident underscores the delicate balance that Deseret Book must maintain between providing valuable resources to members and ensuring that the content aligns with the Church’s values.
Representation and Inclusivity
Despite its efforts to be more inclusive, Deseret Book has faced criticism for its lack of representation of women and people of color in its publications and displays. A 2022 blog post highlighted the predominance of male authors in the biographies section, with only 19% of the books featuring female subjects. This imbalance has sparked discussions about the need for greater diversity in LDS literature and media.
Day has acknowledged these concerns and emphasized the importance of listening to the voices of all members. “Our customer base is by far majority women,” she said. “And women want to learn stories about other women, and they want to read the words of women.” In response, Deseret Book has begun to feature more works by female authors and scholars, reflecting a growing awareness of the need for inclusivity.
The Role of Deseret Book in LDS Communities
Beyond its role as a publisher and retailer, Deseret Book serves as a vital resource for LDS communities. Its stores often host events, workshops, and gatherings that bring members together to learn, share, and connect. These activities help reinforce a sense of belonging and strengthen the bonds within the community.
In addition, Deseret Book has expanded its reach through digital platforms, such as the Bookshelf app, which provides access to a wide range of religious and cultural content. This digital presence has allowed the company to connect with members around the world, further solidifying its role as a global hub for LDS resources.
Challenges and Opportunities
As Deseret Book continues to evolve, it faces several challenges, including the need to balance tradition with innovation and to address the changing needs of its audience. The rise of digital media and online shopping has forced the company to adapt its strategies, while also maintaining the personal touch that many members value.
At the same time, there are opportunities for Deseret Book to lead the way in promoting inclusivity and diversity. By featuring more works by underrepresented voices and expanding its offerings to reflect the full range of LDS experiences, the company can play a key role in shaping the future of the faith.
Conclusion
Deseret Book is much more than just a bookstore—it is a cultural institution that has played a central role in the lives of LDS members for over a century. From its early days as a publisher of religious texts to its current status as a global provider of religious and cultural resources, the company has continually adapted to meet the needs of its audience.
While challenges remain, particularly in terms of representation and inclusivity, Deseret Book is taking steps to address these issues and ensure that its offerings reflect the diversity of the LDS community. As it moves forward, the company will continue to play a vital role in shaping the spiritual and cultural landscape of the faith.
Whether through its books, art, or events, Deseret Book remains a powerful symbol of the enduring connection between the Church and its members. As one member put it, “Deseret Book is more than a store—it’s a place where we find our faith, our history, and our community.”
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Sources:
– The Salt Lake Tribune
– Church News Podcast
– Mormon Land Podcast
Internal Links:
– What is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
– The History of Deseret Book
– LDS Community Events
Image Optimization:
– [Deseret Book store in Salt Lake City]
– [Laurel Day, president of Deseret Book]
– [Deseret Book biography section with male and female authors]
– [Deseret Book Bookshelf app interface]
– [Deseret Book event in Salt Lake City]
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