We are seeing an increased number of our new CLN members saying they are starting libraries in their churches. So for all of you that have been serving in your church libraries for years, now is your opportunity to share what you have learned through the years. The question? If you started a new library now, what would you focus on as you get started?
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I started with an inventory of what is currently existing. Since everything we had was on an excel spreadsheet, I had to research library software. The other challenge I have (and still have) is that the library is located in a busy conference room. The logistics of scheduling time to work in the library to parishioner access is very limited, which is where the library software comes in handy for viewing books. This is where I started.
In reviewing the posts from both 2015 and 2025, all offered excellent advice. So much depends on the size of your church and the patrons/readers in the church. Our church library was also set up by a professional librarian so it has been easy to follow along in her system. As I have taken classes in librarianship, I have been able to expand on such things as Mission Statement and policies to continue structure for the volunteers.
Right now our highest circulation is in Adult Fiction and Easy books, so that is where I focus. To focus on the children's sections would be my recommendation for a new library. Children's books bring adults in the door, then have things for adults to browse as well. But each congregation is different, so the suggestion of a survey might be a good idea.
Shop thrift stores, too, for Christian books. Make friends with the person in charge of the books for a "heads up" when they get some new books in. Best wishes to any new libraries!!!
Love noticing that the 2 original posts to this discussion were made on September 15, 2015, I suggest you read these posts and see if you find any differences between 2015 and 2025.
One big change that is true of most of our churches, synagogues, and parishes to do is the value of all the ministries aligning to the mission, vision, and core values of the church/synagogue/parish.
My career as a Special Librarian resulted in helping start and renew libraries. I started with the new Lincoln Center, NY research library for the performing arts, then a major music publisher's collections of recordings, sheet music, copyrights, and executive's files. After that, I helped organize and open a new performing arts library for a university. I was consultant for Motown Records, helping to save materials for their Detroit museum and archive during their move to LA.
Latter I was diretor of a new state prison library program which had Law, General, Reading Lab,, and Staff libraries, building all from scratch. Eventually we had courses on Legal Research and Business Planning.
Building up a new library includes research into; collection development, space, computer software, policies on circulation, donations, and weeding, who are the customers, what are their needs and wants, and also financial backing.
All of this requires a Mission Statement. Working with church Elders, Deacons, committees, clergy, and teachers should be the first action; talking with them about their wishes for the church library. Strategic Planning is what businesses call it. When done with an accepted mission, your work will go smoothly, but will include a lot of the above at the same time...but also with some limitations...some of which you can overcome, but not likely all. And none of it happens overnight. Starting a library program, is the hardest part of running one.
Summary Table of Recommendations
What I have learned through the years? I've learned some things the hard way - trial and error.
If I were starting a new library today: I wasn't sure what I would focus on the most?
*I would go with what Bev said about the software.
*If a budget hasn't been decided, I would work on that with your church treasurer or whatever committee.
*I would find some avid readers to be proof-readers. You'll want books suitable for the library.
*I would also make out a survey to be given to all church members. Maybe an insert in Sunday's bulletin. Find out what people are interested in reading.
*Find Christian book stores or just book stores in your area. See where the deals are. Some book stores have 'gently used' books that are almost like new and very reasonably priced. I use Christian Book Distributors and amazon.com a lot.
*Advertise! Again in the church bulletin and maybe some post cards sent out, especially to those that participated in your survey. Let them know when the library will be open. On opening Day, use posters, streamers, balloons, etc, anything to call attention to the library. Whatever is suitable for your church. You may think these things are tacky, so go with what you think will work. You could get volunteers to stand at the door of your library as greeters and make sure you have plenty of people to help with finding books. You may not have many books to start with, but I have found that if someone has to wait, they may leave.
If I was starting a new library today, One: I would take advantage of the options of software made available. When I started in the early 1990's, there was not affordable software. By using software today, there are many options that you can take advantage of. Second: I would look for a church librarians association (or even taking advantage of this website) to lean on the experts for answers to my questions. Our church library was started by a professional librarian and she set it up using categories. By her doing that, it enabled me to continue her work without being a professional. Making use of the ISBN numbering system would have been sufficient in using the free LibraryThing software. I am now retired, but that hasn't stopped me from mentoring or volunteering at other libraries within my community. If you learn a skill, remember to share it with others. God's work never ends. Blessings to your church library.