Where and how did people read in a Benedictine monastery? And where and how did they write?

In his Rule, St. Benedict does not give any precise indications regarding places designated for writing and reading. However, in addition to prayer and manual labour, according to the norm of ‘pray and work’ (‘Ora Et Labora’), the saint recognises an important role for reading and meditating on the Holy Scriptures and the works of the Church Fathers.

In chapter 48, entitled ‘Daily Work’ (‘De Opera Manuum Cotidiana’), St Benedict stipulates that ‘idleness is the enemy of the soul, therefore monks must devote themselves to work at certain hours and, at other predetermined hours, to the study of the word of God’. This chapter also indicates the times of day to be devoted to study, which changed periodically over the the year. Throughout the Rule, we also find many references to reading, both personal and communal.