Lectern
Lectern holds a single book that all nearby players can read and emits a redstone signal based on the page being viewed.
Description
A secondary use is critical for redstone: a comparator next to the Lectern reads the open page and outputs a signal from 1 to 15 spread across the book's pages — the first page gives 1, the last page gives 15, and only a 15-page book adds exactly 1 per page. Turning a page also makes the Lectern emit a short redstone pulse. This enables interactive door-codes, page-driven music selectors, and library catalogue systems that activate hidden mechanisms when a particular page is open. The Lectern also serves as the workstation of the librarian villager profession, the most coveted role for end-game enchantment trading.
Block properties
| Item ID |
minecraft:lectern
|
|---|---|
| /give command |
/give @p minecraft:lectern
|
| Stackable | Yes (64) |
| Best tool | Axe |
| Renewable | Yes |
| Hardness | 2.5 |
| Blast resistance | 2.5 |
| Java Edition | 1.14 |
| Bedrock Edition | 1.10.0 |
Guide
How to use a Lectern in Minecraft
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1
Craft a Lectern
Open the crafting table. Fill the top row with three wooden slabs of any type, place one bookshelf in the center slot, and put the fourth slab in the bottom-center slot.
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2
Place a book on the Lectern
Hold a Book and Quill or a Written Book and right-click the Lectern. The book snaps into the open position on the slanted top.
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3
Read the book on the Lectern
Right-click a Lectern that holds a book to open and read it in place. Several players can read the same Lectern at once; the open page is shared, so page turns are synchronized for everyone.
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4
Use the Lectern for redstone page detection
Place a comparator adjacent to the Lectern. The comparator reads the open page and outputs a signal from 1 to 15 spread across the book's pages: the first page gives 1, the last page gives 15.
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5
Recruit a librarian villager
Place an unclaimed Lectern in a village near a jobless villager. The villager becomes a librarian who trades enchanted books at every enchantment level — the most valuable workstation for endgame.
A signed book on a Lectern cannot be edited by any player. Plan your content before signing if you need to display permanent server rules or lore.
How to craft this block
Frequently asked questions
What book types can a Lectern hold?
A Lectern holds a single Book and Quill — signed or not — or a Written Book. Plain books and enchanted books cannot be placed on it.
Can multiple players read a Lectern at the same time?
Yes. Any number of players can read the same Lectern at the same time. The open page is shared, so page turns are synchronized between all readers.
How does the Lectern redstone signal work?
A comparator placed next to a Lectern outputs a signal from 1 to 15 based on the open page: the first page of the book gives 1, the last page gives 15, and intermediate pages divide the range evenly. Only a 15-page book adds exactly one signal strength per page.
What villager profession does a Lectern assign?
A Lectern placed near a jobless villager assigns the librarian profession. Librarians trade enchanted books including maximum-level enchantments such as Mending.
Can you remove a book from a Lectern without destroying it?
Yes. In Java Edition the book is retrieved through the reading interface; in Bedrock Edition, punching the lectern once pops the book off. Breaking the Lectern also drops the Lectern and the book separately.
Does a Lectern burn if placed near fire or lava?
Yes. A Lectern is a wood-based block and is flammable. It will catch fire if exposed to fire or lava. Place stone or non-flammable blocks nearby to prevent accidental burns.
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