The Circle - Church Librarians Network2024-03-29T12:34:54Zhttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/Circle/feed/allGrace Bagshttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/Circle/grace-bags2023-10-31T18:11:46.000Z2023-10-31T18:11:46.000ZEverlie Boltonhttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/members/EverlieBolton<div><p>I wanted to share a new resource that has a been a big hit for our church library: Grace Bags. These bags contain books and manipulatives for families to checkout and use during service or to take home. For example, the Daniel bag contains 3 books, a simple puzzle, felt pieces and a flannel board, finger puppets, a lion lacing card and a small plastic lion. We currently have 6 bags and will continue to add more. I have attached a few photos. This resource is similar to our local public library Subject In A Box kits and was made possible by the family of a dear member who passed away. Her name was Grace and she was an educator and reader. These bags have been a great way to honor her memory.<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12280884457,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12280884457,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="12280884457?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12280884480,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12280884480,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="12280884480?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12280884675,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12280884675,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="12280884675?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12280885092,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12280885092,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="12280885092?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p></div>What is the scope of your church library?https://churchlibrarians.ning.com/Circle/what-is-the-scope-of-your-church-library2023-10-20T13:12:17.000Z2023-10-20T13:12:17.000ZMelanie Makinhttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/members/MelanieMakin<div><p>Hello everyone, </p><p>I'm new here and I've love to hear about the libraries you manage. Who do you serve (your church or the public?) and by extension, what do you collect (Christian materials only, or non-objectionable materials by any authors)? When are you open, and what is your purpose? If your location does not house a school, who are you reaching and how? What materials get the most use and why? Any new goals? I know that we all oversee/work in church libraries, but these can all be very different!</p><p>I'll get us started. I believe that I am the first layperson given oversight over our church's library, but it was reasonably well-established when I began. It's hosted in an open room at the back of our sanctuary, and its primary intent is to contribute to the growth of our members (and their children) in spiritual health, biblical truth, and the doctrines of the church. As such, the adult collection does not contain fiction. As the budget is limited, I generally don't purchase titles that can be easily obtained for free through the public library system (which,living in Rhode Island, is very robust). It is only accessible during our public gatherings. </p><p>When I began about a year ago, there were picture books and adult books, with little in between. The picture books definitely get a great deal of use from our many families during the service and through borrowing. But I noticed that many chapter book readers had secular books in the service, and wanted to make quality materials available to them, as well. So my priority in the last year has been maintaining and consistently adding to the adult collection while also quickly building a youth/YA collection.</p><p>I'm also going to make a plug for 10ofthose.com here; they were a great resource when building up the youth collection. They were the only place I could find new editions of Patricia St John novels that weren't edited beyond recognition from the originals.</p><p>So tell me where you are, what you're doing, and how you're doing it :-)</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p></div>Important Relationships: Church Librarians and Childrenhttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/Circle/important-relationships-church-librarians-and-children2023-05-08T17:19:34.000Z2023-05-08T17:19:34.000ZMorlee Maynardhttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/members/MorleeMaynard<div><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">During the April 2023 Disciple Leaders Network conference, we learned a lot about the importance of relationships in our churches today. <a href="https://www.dbu.edu/ministry/about/shelly-melia.html" target="_blank">Dr. Shelly Melia</a>, Director of the Children's Ministry Masters Program, Dallas Baptist University, did an outstanding breakout session on the importance of relationships with children. Here are highlights for us to consider as librarians. I am preparing a paper to send Dr. Melia that applies her session points to church library ministry which we consider to be strategic support ministries to kid's ministries. As you read the following, capture your thoughts for Dr. Melia in the comments to this post. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Be aware of issues children face today: adverse situations, anxiety, depression, suicide, loneliness, abusive experiences, neglect, household dysfunction.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">She described what is called Trauma Informed Children's Ministry. Even though she never mentioned church libraries, all of the following are important for librarians: </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">1. Be Attuned: New hunger for resilience. Our genuine interest in each child who uses the library can make a difference. Love their families.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">2. Be Aware: Notice the kids which means more than just giving them attention.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">3. Be Authentic: A filtered and formulistic faith is not an authentic faith. Prepare them for bad things that may happen in their lives. Libraries can play a big role here by having books that tell stories about bad experiences at different age levels. What else?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Dr. Melia ended her session with the concept of Ministry 5.1: Each child needs a healthy and safe relationship with 5 adults in our churches. Let's step up in strategic ways so that the library can be part of the children's ministry where kids can develop a healthy and safe relationship with a librarian. Kids need to feel safe in our libraries. The following are points she made about how to develop these relationships. Keep in mind that in a growing number of our churches today, teachers rotate Sundays so a child never really knows who their group teacher will be each Sunday. I'm thinking in most of our churches, the kids will know who will be in the library to greet them and talk with them on their level.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">1. Spiritual formation is a priority. How do we apply this one through our libraries?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">2. Individualistic to community model. How do we support our children's ministry to include the library as part of the kid's ministry community? How do we foster relations with children that make them feel they are part of the library community?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">3. Dialogue rather than monologue. How can we talk with kids in dialogue so that we have the opportunity to listen to them tell us about a book they read? Instead of "did you like this book?" use "what did you learn with this book?" or . . .</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">4. Rely on small groups for transformation rather than large groups. How can our story times with kids offer small group opportunities as part of the preschool ministry? Book Clubs?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">5. Seek frequent ways to bless each child. What are ways to bless a child when he or she experiences the library?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Next week I'll use my notes from another speaker at the Disciple Leaders Network to start a discussion. Share your thoughts based on Dr. Melia's highlights. These seem to be strategic ways for church libraries to connect with children's ministries. Helps us understand what our children's ministers are dealing with every day.</span></p>
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<p> </p></div>Eva Nell's Tour of the Central Baptist Church in Decatur, ALhttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/Circle/eva-nell-s-tour-of-the-central-baptist-church-in-decatur-al2023-01-30T14:52:32.000Z2023-01-30T14:52:32.000ZMorlee Maynardhttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/members/MorleeMaynard<div><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Here's a video tour of the Central Baptist Church, Decatur, AL with an interview by Eva Nell and her pastor, Rob Jackson. Lots of ideas <strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o1MGRAH2ao" target="_blank">here</a></strong>! Also a great time to remember our friend and leader, Eva Nell Hunter.</span></p>
<p> </p></div>Why Have a Church Library: Conservation of Baptist Heritagehttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/Circle/why-have-a-church-library-conservation-of-baptist-heritage2022-11-21T14:18:03.000Z2022-11-21T14:18:03.000ZMorlee Maynardhttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/members/MorleeMaynard<div><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The final reason stated by Lavender and Flack is conservation of our Baptist heritage. If your denomination is not Baptist, replace Baptist with the name of your denomination. Since 1934 when this book was published, Southern Baptists had a program that included the study of Baptist history. That ministry no longer exists in most churches today. Is there a ministry in your denomination that teaches history? Do church libraries conserve the history of churches in your denomination? </span></p></div>Why Have a Church Library? Church Worker's Need for Special Bookshttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/Circle/church-worker-s-need-for-special-books2022-11-14T13:20:51.000Z2022-11-14T13:20:51.000ZMorlee Maynardhttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/members/MorleeMaynard<div><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Why Have a Church Library? Flake’s 6th Reason</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Let’s continue our discussion starters stemming from the list of reasons found in Arthur Flake and Leona Lavender’s book. Their 6<sup>th</sup> reason is Church Worker’s Need for Special Books. Let’s start a discussion about all the ways church libraries today assist leaders in all the ministries of our churches.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Note that Flake and Lavender included books to mentally and spiritually prepare leaders to serve as well as the how-to books. They listed the following types of books:" methods; Bible background books; religious and general reference books, studies in psychology and pedagogy, and various other general ans special books in biblical and spiritual fields which will help them toward spiritual growth and better fit them for service." (pages 17-18).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">What do you have in your collection for leaders, teachers, deacons, missions, committees, and teams for training, spiritual growth, and service?</span></p></div>Why Have a Church Library? A General Lack of Available Bookshttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/Circle/why-have-a-church-library-a-general-lack-of-available-books2022-11-07T14:15:30.000Z2022-11-07T14:15:30.000ZMorlee Maynardhttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/members/MorleeMaynard<div><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Their 5<sup>th</sup> reason is A General Lack of Available Books.They admit that “there are more books in the world than any person could possibly read in ten lifetimes.” But they point out the lack of library services in many places in the United States during the 1930s.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">We have all heard the phrase that we are living in a post-Roe day. Since the 1930s just about all Americans now have access to public libraries and bookstores. But are we not gradually seeing the bookstores close? Have you checked your public library to see if they carry acceptable books for Christian children and adults? Perhaps the day is coming when we will be living in post-Christian-book-availability as the Post-Christian society sweeps across our country.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> What if our church libraries fill the gaps emerging in our culture? Is your pastor and church staff aware of this implication of the Post-Christian society? How many churches in your community, city, town, or region have libraries today? That might be worth finding out because the impact of a possible lack of Christian books in the public libraries in the future will raise the question: Where will people in churches that do not have libraries find acceptable reading material? </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Yes, they/we can always buy books from Amazon, Christianbook.com, and other online Christian retailers,but is that an option for all Americans? Just last week I had a young mother drop by the Enrichment Center. She is not a member of our church but she comes to our women's Bible studies on Wednesday mornings. She told me she and her two preschoolers have had a weekly routine to go to their public library one day a week. During their visit last Tuesday she discovered there are no longer any books that she finds acceptable for her preschoolers there. She was thrilled to know that she could start bringing her children to our library.<br /> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">What would happen if our churches embraced their libraries as strategic parts of their outreach and discipleship tools for a post-Christian culture? What if we thought of church libraries like we think of public libraries? A chain of libraries available to our communitiues, but we offer Bible-based fiction and non-fiction for all people.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Your thoughts?</span></p>
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<p> </p></div>Why Have a Church Library? The Power of the Printed Pagehttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/Circle/why-have-a-church-library-the-power-of-the-printed-page2022-10-31T15:28:06.000Z2022-10-31T15:28:06.000ZMorlee Maynardhttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/members/MorleeMaynard<div><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Back in the 1920s and many years to follow, our two authors would never have thought of digital books. As you read what they wrote about the power of the printed page, include ebooks in all of their points. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Direct quote from <em>The Church Library Manual </em>by Leona Lavender Althoff and Arthur Flake (1934) pages 15-16.</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Here we can simply suggest the power of the printed page in the work of the churches. Set primarily to the tasks of winnning the lost and building Christlike character, the churches must not overlook this dynamic medium. Let the reader think into the evangelistic power of books and of how books on evangelism would strengthen the soul-winning fires of a church if a library were used to get them read. Consider the extension of soul-winning powers in to all missionary endeavors. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Think, then, into the practical value of books as a means of enlisting and training workers for service in the churches. Again, think of the spiritual character-building values of books that broaden Bible knowledge, deepen devotional life, heighten spiritual vision through inspiration, and strengthen the sinews of service in innumerable ways. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Surely, failure to appropriate the power of good books for the life of churches and of Christians is blindness more tragic in the realm of the spirit than failure to harness the power of a mighty waterfall in the realm of the material. Books can lift their readers to the heights or plunge them to the depths, and it is most arresting to consider that every civilized human being is affected by the fruits of the hearts and minds of those who have dared to express themselves in print. Like the ripple of the pebble dropped into a lake, thoughts are set in motion that spread to many another mind beforer they are spent. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Even the hater of reading is influenced by what another reads. Printing presses are daily pouring out thousands of books and magazines. At some time in the past they have turned out word-pictures of crime and evil, of "isms" and false teachings, and today there is a harvest of the sowings. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">They have also turned out word-pictures of beauty and goodness, and there are, likewise, fruits from them. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">What a blessing it would be to have some part in saving readers from that which will harm them, and substitute in its place that which will strengthen and beautify their lives! How important it is for churches to grasp the idea of utilizing the printed page in the building of red-blooded Christian characters.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>What jumps out to you as implications for our churches today?</strong></span></p>
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<p> </p></div>why church librarieshttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/Circle/why-church-libraries2022-10-24T18:48:59.000Z2022-10-24T18:48:59.000ZPaul T. Jacksonhttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/members/PaulTJackson<div><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> It is a question, it seems, only needed for churches without libraries. I believe every church I been involved with has had some kind of library made useful to others in the congregational. Some of the libraries are those of the pastor(s), others are small, mostly because of space allowcations. The last church library I was involved with had over 2200 volumes for a membership of a little more than 200 persons, including a section of more for children, perhaps over 500. Then I went to a larger church. the first one had expanded and built a very large new building, seating in the sanctuary, perhaps 700 or more. It has a choir room, a robe room, a kitchen, an office, a large foyer, and off that an overflow room, and a fairly large library room containing perhaps 1,000 volumes; it has expanded to another area on the second floor. Then there is another very large church which had a library room; not large, but in remodeling and repurposing some areas the library was eliminated.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;">I wonder if it leadership? My own take is that most ministers talk often about books they've read and mention them in sermons. But without a library there is little way of checking it out. It seems that if the pastor thinks books are important to reference, why not have them available in a library on site?</span></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Just a thought.</span></p><p> </p></div>Why Have a Church Library? People Need Reading Guidancehttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/Circle/why-have-a-church-library-people-need-reading-guidance2022-10-24T12:37:17.000Z2022-10-24T12:37:17.000ZMorlee Maynardhttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/members/MorleeMaynard<div><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Flake’s third reason was “A Need for Reading Guidance.” What are we doing today to meet that need? If you missed the introduction to this discussion, click <a href="https://churchlibrarians.ning.com/Circle/our-church-library-ministry-roots">here</a>.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Flake and Lavender quoted a question that is still true for readers today: "Do you know that if you read this you cannot read that?" None of us have time to read all the books out there! They went on to write that believers should choose books that are worthy of our "precious" time. I'm sure I am not the only one that am regularly asked "what do you suggest?"</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Just about everything we do falls into this category of recommendations. Just having the books and DVDs we have on the shelves is guiding people to find recommended books. These fiction and non-fiction books are guiding people in not only reading but also their spiritual growth and discipleship. Our selection policies keep us on track to have books and DVDs that our churches recommend.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">How many of you use the promotion venues to recommend books? Last week we sent out our <a href="https://mailchi.mp/fhbc/enrichmentcenter_october2022" target="_blank">FHBC October email</a> which featured pictures of our top 8 fiction authors that linked to their websites. Next month we will feature our top 8 non-fiction authors. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">What other ways to do you guide people to items in your church's collection?</span></p>
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<p> </p></div>Why Have a Church Library? Introduce People to Bookshttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/Circle/why-have-a-church-library-introduce-people-to-books2022-10-17T12:42:03.000Z2022-10-17T12:42:03.000ZMorlee Maynardhttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/members/MorleeMaynard<div><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Flake's second reason to have a church library focused on introducing people to books. Did you catch how he worded it? Instead of "books to people" he used "people to books." In his day, people did not have access to books like we do today. He did live during the day when Sunday schools were created to teach children how to read using the Bible as the text. As mentioned in our original article, Flake played a huge role in starting Sunday Schools in churches on Sundays for Bible study based on that concept. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Are we not in a day when librarians play a huge role in introducing people in our churches and communities to Christian books? People can easily find books, but do they know books for Christians even exist? Does your community have a Christian book store? Does your public library feature Christian books and DVDs for their customers? How about people who are far from God these days? Are they ever in the loop about Christian books and DVDs?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">How are you breaking through the walls so that your church's library introduces people to Christian books in your church family and community?</span></p>
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<p> </p></div>Why Have a Church Library? Special Librarieshttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/Circle/why-have-a-church-library-special-libraries2022-10-10T15:51:05.000Z2022-10-10T15:51:05.000ZMorlee Maynardhttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/members/MorleeMaynard<div><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Flake’s first reason was the fact that special libraries were found in most institutions in his day because they cannot trust other sources for its library sevices. These institutions include universities, colleges, high schools, hospitals, prisons, businesses, and law offices all had libraries focused on their concerns and needs. He also mentions "rental" libraries that focused on commercial purposes. Church libraries are considered special libraries to this day. Leona Lavender Althoff wrote: "The church library has the special privilege of bringing books to serve people who ordinarily do not seek them in other libraries." (<em>The Church Library Manual</em> (1934), p. 13<em>)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Althoff went on to write: "Every church is sorely missing a real opportunity for spiritual service until it establishes and utilizes a good library of its very own." (p. 14). </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">What about today? </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Just shortly after transitioning my church's library to a broader ministry called the Enrichment Center, we discovered many people in our church used the public library. They verbally would tell our team that they did not need the church library. When we shared that we offered the same services that the public library did, they were surprised. They had no idea we had an online catalog and that they could email us what they wanted so that we could have it ready for them. And they were surprised we were open all the time with our self-checkout system. They are gradually starting to use our online catalog and include our library in their routines now. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">What are your thoughts about today compared to what Flack and Althoff wrote about their day (1930s)? What about our "opportunities for spiritual service"? Are your public libraries offering spiritual reading services today?</span></p></div>Huge Book Sale!https://churchlibrarians.ning.com/Circle/huge-book-sale2022-10-08T15:40:01.000Z2022-10-08T15:40:01.000ZEverlie Boltonhttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/members/EverlieBolton<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10837196895?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p>I am the librarian for my church library and also the president of the local Friends of the Library. Our Big Book Sale is coming up soon. If you are near southeast Alabama (Dothan), you will want to come to this sale! It will be a great opportunity to add some titles to your church library and also your personal library. A local church library has recently done a very heavy weed of fiction and so there will be a very large selection of popular Christian Fiction authors. Or course, we also have a very large nonfiction religion section.</p><p>If you want see ALL the books before they fly out the door, you can join the Friends of the Library at the door for only $5. The sale is open to the public for the rest of the sale and the prices decrease as the sale continues. All remaining books are free on October 30. Even if you can't come to this sale, I suggest connecting with your local Friends of the Library as they can be a great resource for new titles for your church library. </p></div>Seeking children's book recommendationshttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/Circle/seeking-children-s-book-recommendations2022-10-05T14:04:08.000Z2022-10-05T14:04:08.000ZLisa Fahrenkroghttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/members/LisaFahrenkrog<div><p>I'm in the process of revitalizing our small library, it needs some loving tlc! One of our Sunday School teachers asked if I would be sure to add some books for preschool ages that she can use and read during Sunday School. I agreed, but didn't realize what a tall order that was!</p><p>Can anyone recommend good, Bible-centered books for this age group?</p></div>Our Church Library Ministry Rootshttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/Circle/our-church-library-ministry-roots2022-10-03T16:50:29.000Z2022-10-03T16:50:29.000ZMorlee Maynardhttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/members/MorleeMaynard<div><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">A common issue for church librarians these days seems to be the challenges some of us face with the leaders of our churches. While I am not seeing any increase in the numbers of churches closing their libraries, I am seeing an increase in the number of churches revitalizing or starting libraries. With that in mind, I started to put together a list of ways church libraries today contribute to the current making disciples strategies developing in our churches. While we are revitalizing and starting libraries, let's learn from our history.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The Church Librarians Network started in 1999 when a new church library team was launched at Lifeway. The Church Librarians Ministry magazine was discontinued so we thought we would launch a website where church librarians could get information but more importantly communicate with each other their ideas and their challenges. These have been amazing years of learning and growing together. But for Southern Baptists, church libraries started their journey back in 1927.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Arthur Flake is famous today for Flake's Formula which is being used by church leaders to grow churches through groups. In his day, those groups were called Sunday School classes. Due to his huge success in the church that he developed his formula, he became the first Secretary of the Department of Sunday School Administration at The Baptist Sunday School Board (now Lifeway). He had experience with the Sunday Schools of that day that taught children on Sundays how to read by reading the Bible. The only day these children could go to school was Sunday, their only day off from work. These Sunday Schools that were in many eastern states had libraries. But they were disorganized and mishandled. Flake took a library vision with him to The Baptist Sunday School Board of what “active, functioning church libraries could mean in the development of all phases of church work and believing that the successful operation of church libraries depended upon a practical and adequate plan of administration and promotion.” (page 12) In 1927 he added the promotion of Sunday School Libraries to his department's duties by hiring a full-time employee, Leona Lavendar. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Leona Lavendar Althoff along with Flake wrote the first how-to book for Southern Baptist church librarians, <em>The Church Library Manual. </em>They had the full support of all the departments at The Sunday School Board. The first chapter of this book is titled "Why Have a Church Library?" The chapter outline features these reasons:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The 7 Reasons for Church Libraries</span></p>
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<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">A Day of Special Libraries</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">A Means of Introducing People to Books</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">A Need of Reading Guidance</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">The Power of the Printed Page</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">A General Lack of Available Books</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Church Worker's Need for Special Books</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Conversation of our Baptist Heritage </span></li>
</ol>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Here's where we will plug in to their story. In the coming weeks, let's reflect on the seven reasons published in 1934. Those of you in other denominations, you are encouraged to share what you know about your denomination's church library roots. Each week I will post one of the reasons in a new post so that we can discussion each post separately with connections to our day. What does each reason look like in our churches today? What could it look like in our day? Is this reason one that we need to communicate with our pastors and church staff and leaders?</span></p>
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<p> </p></div>Appreciation Notes to Authorshttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/Circle/appreciation-notes-to-authors2022-08-29T14:01:52.000Z2022-08-29T14:01:52.000ZMorlee Maynardhttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/members/MorleeMaynard<div><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Yesterday my sister, Diane Moody, shared with me a note she received from a reader. God used this note to nudge her to keep on writing her current book. That note gave her the confidence she needed to keep going.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">As we talked, it dawned on me that you and I have ministry opportunities with all the authors who have books on the shelves in our libraries. Let's share how we let God speak through us as we communicate with authors who are discipling the people who read their books through libraries.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">On top of that, a relatively new member of our church brought me a copy of one of his books. He is an author! He and I had a great conversation. Share with us how you connect with authors in your church or synagogue family. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">During our team planning session a couple of weeks ago we included an idea from a young adult who has joined our team: sponsor "author speak" events for our church members who are authors. How do you do that? What do you call it?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Morlee</span></p>
<p> </p></div>In-person Conference for Church Librarians and Book Lovers!https://churchlibrarians.ning.com/Circle/in-person-conference-for-church-librarians-and-book-lovers2022-08-18T13:42:21.000Z2022-08-18T13:42:21.000ZDebbie Deharthttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/members/DebbieDehart<div><p>Hi all,</p><p>I'm on the board of the ECLA (Evangelical Church Library Association) and we are hosting an IN-PERSON conference on October 8! It will be in Wheaton, IL and we invite you to come, and bring some friends! While of special interest to librarians, it would be interesting and fun for anyone who loves to read and hear from authors. There will be a used-book exchange (if you bring some books, you can take books home with you) as well as book-giveaways for all attendees. Below is some information about the speakers, and you can also go to the ECLA website for more information and to register. eclalibaries.org. </p><p>Let me know if you have any questions!</p><p>Debbie</p><p> </p><p><img class="z6erz7xo on4d8346 pytsy3co s8sjc6am myo4itp8 ekq1a7f9 mfclru0v p9wrh9lq" src="https://scontent.fdet1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/298253532_10224494208315754_1444100459081453029_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=p4g2yrQK67IAX8hnBMJ&_nc_ht=scontent.fdet1-1.fna&oh=00_AT8jKRNU_O8f8yGGgn_hxobO89Z_hjtzkc0RoEPbBCwAMw&oe=63031A63" alt="May be an image of 5 people and text" width="592" height="464" /></p></div>Blue Valley Summer 2022 Reading Clubhttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/Circle/blue-valley-summer-2022-reading-club2022-08-02T13:20:14.000Z2022-08-02T13:20:14.000ZMorlee Maynardhttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/members/MorleeMaynard<div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;">Blue Valley Baptist Church in Overland, KS has both a reading club and a Story Time each summer. On Saturday, (July 30, 2022), they held a big party celebrating the end of the summer reading club. This party actually was for younger kids and their families. The older kids had a pool party at a church member's home.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-size:12pt;">These events help share the gospel and there was one known profession of faith. Several unchurch families participated.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-size:12pt;">Here are two links to their 2022 story that is currently on the Kansas Nevada Convention of Southern Baptists website. The story includes a link to a Dropbox photo album. This includes photos of Blue Valley's latest library promotion "Spot a Good Book."</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="http://kncsb.org/church-libraries-help-spread-gospel-seeds/" target="_blank">http://kncsb.org/church-libraries-help-spread-gospel-seeds/</a><u></u> </span></div>
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<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a id="m_-7024437593306777818LPlnk630323" href="http://kncsb.org/summer-reading-events-help-share-gospel/" target="_blank">http://kncsb.org/summer-reading-events-help-share-gospel/</a><u></u> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Thank you, Fay, for the great article here. And thank you, Eva Wilson, for sharing what the Kansas Nebraska Convention of Southern Baptists is doing with these articles!</span></p>
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</div></div>As We Begin the New Year . . .https://churchlibrarians.ning.com/Circle/as-we-begin-the-new-year2022-01-03T14:36:48.000Z2022-01-03T14:36:48.000ZMorlee Maynardhttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/members/MorleeMaynard<div><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">What problems are challenging our church’s/synagogue’s library teams? Let’s encourage each other with our prayers and encouragement. Perhaps there is comfort in finding out that our teams are not the only ones facing that challenge. Or we may find someone in the Church Librarians Network who has been through that challenge before us. His or her experience may help us. </span></p></div>Christmas Plans?https://churchlibrarians.ning.com/Circle/christmas-plans2021-12-06T14:31:54.000Z2021-12-06T14:31:54.000ZMorlee Maynardhttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/members/MorleeMaynard<div><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">We would love to see pictures of your church's library decorations and displays. Click <strong><a href="https://churchlibrarians.ning.com/photos-and-video" target="_blank">here</a></strong> to open Photos then click on the red button in the top right corner of the photos. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">And we would love to know what your team plans to do beyond decorating. Are you using any ways to engage people in reading during the Christmas? Click on Comments below to share your plans.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Merry Christmas!</span></p>
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<p> </p></div>Quick Cataloginghttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/Circle/quick-cataloging2021-11-29T17:53:54.000Z2021-11-29T17:53:54.000ZMorlee Maynardhttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/members/MorleeMaynard<div><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Nancy Martin emailed me last week asking about connecting with others who use Quick Cataloging with their online catalogs. She would like to add more libraries to her church’s catalog Quick Cataloging settings. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">If you would like to participate in sharing our Quick Cataloging information with each other, contact your software company’s online technicians to set up a z39.50 setting for your church’s or synagogue's catalog. They will send you the following information that other libraries can use to add your church’s catalog to their list of providers.</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">IP Address</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Port</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Database Name</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;">If you want to see what it looks like, click <strong><a href="https://churchlibrarians.ning.com/groups/atriuum-user-group/forum/quick-cataloguing">here</a></strong> to open a 2017 reply made by Allison Maynard to Carol Roeder’s question about Quick Cataloging.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Would you share your setting information when you get it from your provider? Click on comment to share and include the name of your church or synagogue. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Some of you already have the catalog z39.50 setting to share with other libraries. Share that information with the name of your church or synagogue in a comment here.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">If you are an Atriuum User Group member, click <strong><a href="https://churchlibrarians.ning.com/groups/atriuum-user-group/forum/quick-cataloging" target="_blank">here</a></strong>.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">THANKS!</span></p></div>Vacation Bible School Experiences?https://churchlibrarians.ning.com/Circle/vacation-bible-school-experiences2021-06-14T20:08:43.000Z2021-06-14T20:08:43.000ZMorlee Maynardhttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/members/MorleeMaynard<div><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Any VBS experiences to share for this summer?</span></p></div>Thinking Ahead Beyond the Pandemic: Fellowshiphttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/Circle/thinking-ahead-beyond-the-pandemic-fellowship2021-02-15T17:03:49.000Z2021-02-15T17:03:49.000ZMorlee Maynardhttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/members/MorleeMaynard<div><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Let's continue our reflection on Dr. Stauffer's list of predictions. Here's Number 5:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span class="Fid_45">"A newfound appreciation for in-person fellowship, worship and singing will continue to emerge.</span> <span class="Fid_47">After months of being apart and looking at a TV or computer screen, Christians are more than ready to see each other in person and embrace. This process will evolve slowly as more and more people receive the vaccination."</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span class="Fid_47">In what ways do you see church libraries picking up on a "newfound appreciation for in-person fellowship, worship, and singing"? </span></span></p>
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<p> </p></div>Thinking Ahead Beyond the Pandemic: Theological Questionshttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/Circle/thinking-ahead-beyond-the-pandemic-theological-questions2021-02-08T15:07:54.000Z2021-02-08T15:07:54.000ZMorlee Maynardhttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/members/MorleeMaynard<div><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Last Monday I posted an article by Dr. Clay Stauffer, a pastor in Nashville. He compiled a list of concerns that are currently appearing in several blogs written for pastors and church leaders. I suggest you and I need to consider this concerns because we need to be ready to align our library ministries to changes brought on by the pandemic. Otherwise, I fear many libraries will be left out in the cold. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Let's grapple with Stauffer's fourth concern today: (In case you missed the article link last week, read <strong><a href="https://nashvilletennessean-tn-app.newsmemory.com/?publink=0e64d6972" target="_blank">more</a></strong>.)</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:12pt;"><span class="Fid_45">4. <strong>Difficult theological questions must be asked and explored.</strong></span><strong> </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:12pt;"><span class="Fid_47">Why does God allow a pandemic to happen? Why didn’t God stop the pandemic? How is God working in the midst of the pandemic? How is the faith community being called to serve those who are hurting?</span></span></p>
<p><span class="Fid_47" style="font-size:12pt;">Yes, publishers are providing books that are helping churches/synagogues deal with the pandemic. However, I am thinking we already have books and DVDs on our shelves that deal with these questions in a broader sense. What are ways we can step up and help our pastors/rabbis, leaders, and church/synagogue communities deal with these questions? Yes, we can display books and DVDs that address these types of questions. What about other aspects of our ministries? How can this concern become a window for us to show our leaders that we are on the same team with our pastor/rabbis and leaders?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Perhaps these questions are prayer concerns asking God to open our hearts and minds to what He would have us be and do that we are not being or doing right now. Let's prayerfully tear down the walls that keep us on the sidelines.</span></p>
<p> </p></div>Thinking Ahead Beyond the Pandemichttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/Circle/thinking-ahead-beyond-the-pandemic2021-01-26T13:44:34.000Z2021-01-26T13:44:34.000ZMorlee Maynardhttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/members/MorleeMaynard<div><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">An important part of what we face as church and synagogue librarians is connecting with what is happening in our faith families. Dr. Clay Stauffer is pastor of Woodmont Christian Church in Nashville. In Saturday’s Tennessean, he was the author of an interesting article about predictions about where we may find ourselves as a result of the pandemic. Lots of bloggers are doing such postings right now for pastors. Dr. Stauffer provides us with a collection of these predictions. Click <a href="https://nashvilletennessean-tn-app.newsmemory.com/?publink=0e64d6972">here</a> to read his article. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Let’s consider implications of these predictions for our library ministries. We need to be thinking ahead just like our church and synagogue leaders are doing right now. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">What implications do you see in this article that library ministries must embrace?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Are any of these predictions possible windows for our library ministries to consider moving what we do out of the shadows in to the light of filling possible gaps challenging our faith families beyond the pandemic?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Every faith family is unique. What are you already seeing in your own faith family?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Join us in this conversation through comments as we grapple with the future.</span></p>
<p> </p></div>The Impact of Relationshipshttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/Circle/the-impact-of-relationships2021-01-18T17:29:09.000Z2021-01-18T17:29:09.000ZMorlee Maynardhttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/members/MorleeMaynard<div><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">What are you reading and hearing about the importance of relationships in our churches and synagogues? Seems like that is a no-brainer question due to our COVID situation. But does “no-brainer” mean we should accept the obvious as well? Right now kids and youth ministries are moving a way from building programs and keeping attendance to focusing on building connections that result in relationships. If COVID is changing our longtime ministry models,you and I who serve in our churches’ libraries need to give some serious thought to how our library ministries need to adjust and align to the new models. Have you had a serious conversation with age group ministers/leaders in your church/synagogue? Does not matter what other churches are doing. Each of us need to find out what is happening in our own churches/synagogues.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">In the comments, let's grapple with the impact of shifts in our churches and synagogues on our library ministries.</span></p>
<p> </p></div>Little Free Library Dream Come Truehttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/Circle/little-free-library-dream-come-true2020-12-08T21:24:56.000Z2020-12-08T21:24:56.000ZMorlee Maynardhttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/members/MorleeMaynard<div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Carol Buckles asked me to post this exciting addition to their church in Virginia! Way to go, Carol!</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Just as Covid was shutting down the world, my long-time dream for a Little Free Library opened wide. I had finally convinced my husband to buy one for the church, on sale, for $300. I'd been mentioning it for years, but he somehow realized that I really meant it! </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;">I got permission from the relevant committees at church and was ready to order, when I had a moment of doubt. Going to the church administrative assistant [and my friend] for assurance that it would be a good idea, she told me, "Someone just made a donation to the children's ministry. You're going to include children's books, right?"</span></div>
<div dir="ltr"> </div>
<div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;">I said, "Of course." The Little Free Library location I had planned was on the road that many folks walk or drive their kids to and from school, so children's materials were to be a big focus.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;">The donation was $300. Yes, the exact amount I needed.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Our tireless octegenarian lead the team to install the library, and other church members have contributed books.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;">In the six months since I opened, I have seldom had to put books in, although I have many on hand to share. There are constant new items to discover. I have also added bookmarks, church logo pens and little handsewn junk journals that I made. People have also started leaving painted rocks to share ["keep or rehide"].</span></div>
<div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Carol Buckles</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8263765695,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8263765695,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="8263765695?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="480" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8263767271,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8263767271,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="8263767271?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="480" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8263767693,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8263767693,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="8263767693?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="480" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8263767892,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8263767892,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="8263767892?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<div class="adL" dir="ltr"> </div></div>Christian NFL Player's Children's Bookhttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/Circle/christian-nfl-player-s-children-s-book2020-11-18T13:46:35.000Z2020-11-18T13:46:35.000ZJefferson Knapphttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/members/JeffersonKnapp<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8183702060?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p>My company, Kraken Books, Ltd., published a children's book by a NFL player. Dalton Risner is an outspoken Christian who plays guard for the Denver Broncos. This illustrated 32-page easy read book is centered around Dalton's faith. Included are Dalton's favorite Bible verses and a message on each page spread that adheres to his RisnerUp Foundation. Dalton founded the RisnerUp Foundation his senior year at Kansas State University with the purpose of spreading kindness, charity and love for all people (especially kids).</p>
<p>We sell the book for $19.95 but have marked it down 35% making it $12.96 for the remainder of November. You can purchase it at <a href="http://www.krakenbooks.com">www.krakenbooks.com</a>. Thank you and have a Merry Christmas! <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8183698490,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8183698490,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="8183698490?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p></div>Increasing Foot Traffic to Our Libraryhttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/Circle/increasing-foot-traffic-to-our-library2020-09-30T18:54:27.000Z2020-09-30T18:54:27.000ZSherall Cornwellhttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/members/SherallCornwell<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7987499681,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7987499681,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="7987499681?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7987501298,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7987501298,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="7987501298?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p></div>tri-foldshttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/Circle/tri-folds2020-09-24T13:42:13.000Z2020-09-24T13:42:13.000Zadair elwinghttps://churchlibrarians.ning.com/members/adairelwing<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/7965528872?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p>Here are some photos of the tri-folds I mentioned in the conversation about classification. We have several more of different genres each in a different color and some authors that are prolific have their own There were a couple reasons behind making them all different colors one colors attract attention so people are more likely to walk over and pick one up and two I can walk past the display and see -'Oh only have one lavender one left' so know need to put out more Karen Kingsbury. By placing them in different places on the church campus it helps raise awareness that there is a church library and that we have more than old Sunday School literature</p><p>Basic format the same so only needed to create one template type in authors/book titles and creating gaps with tab/enter where wanted to put clip art</p><p>Some of the clip art was found online -audio books/clip art/free and some I created myself If you are not tatented when it comes to art ask around or consider asking the person who helps design sets if your church does dramas/cantatas. </p></div>