G. W. Carlson Peace Library

G.W. (Bill) Carlson (1947–2016)
History Professor
Bethel College / University
St. Paul, Minnesota


​This library – built on the core
of Carlson’s personal collection
of books that integrate faith,
peace, and justice themes –
is dedicated to sustaining
his legacy of peace education
and nonviolent social change.
This enfusion of books seeded the
Agapé Peace Center in Duluth
in the spring of 2016.


Bill was one of the first major influences in my life and thinking during my college years with respect to the history of nonviolent activism and social change. As a die-hard Swedish Baptist, he also modeled to me a way of integrating faith and action that required greater courage and greater love.

This library holds a significant number of books by and about the pioneers of faith-and-virtue-based nonviolence, including Tolstoy, Gandhi, Bonhoeffer, Weil, Day, King, and Merton. Books on the Anabaptist heritage, Quakerism and general church history are also substantial. In the area of spirituality, the library holds, for example, every book written by Henri Nouwen. It also has a complete set of C.S. Lewis books.

Books are available for lending up to a 2 month period. You can either browse and sign out books during center events or call Ted Lewis to arrange a time for visiting (715-205-5945).  The library can also be used for quiet study.

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