church libraries (311)
Mission Trips
In thinking about the summer, we will have multiple teams going to Honduras for mission trips. I would like to build up our small selection of books about missions. As we are reducing the number of holdings in our library and are desiring to have th
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Views: 36
Christian Fiction for men
Looking for recommendations for Christian fiction novels for men.
Thanks!
First Baptist Church, Kingsport, TN
Jonna Bridgeman replied:
All of Charles Martin's books would be good.
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Views: 294
Summer Plans
I'm thinking about our summer plans--the window emphasis, summer reading programs, etc. It is our nation's 250th anniversary, so I'm planning to work along that theme.
i would welcome any and all ideas--particularly the reading challenges!
Thanks!
B
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Views: 42
Recommended Books about United States Presidents?
Great day to share titles of books about United States Presidents. What do you have in your church's collection?
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Views: 47
How Millennials and Gen Z Are Driving a Bible Reading Comeback
Have you seen the November 2025 Barna report titled about this comback? Click here to read the report. You will need to click in the blank space following the introduction if you do not see the graphics.
I wonder how many of our churches/Parishes/Sy
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Views: 88
Revitalization Needs
From Stephanie Richardson
I am just getting started with revitalizing my church's library. It is a beautiful space, but for years has been a dumping ground for books that people want to get rid of - resulting in a collection of books that no one want
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Views: 275
Attracting more patrons
Jonna Bridgman requests the following:
My church library is slowly dying. I am the only staff. I have moved it three times. The last move was to the old choir room. The choir officially died. I need more patrons! I need ideas on how to attract more p
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Views: 212
Read the Bible Through 2026
I'm sure my church is not the only one launching an emphasis to Read the Bible through the coming year. I just finished the 2025 plan. The new plan for 2026 focuses on the New Testament. One difference that I am sure will draw more people to particip
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Views: 103
Purchasing Shelves
One of our new members is starting a new church library. They need shelves. Any recommendations?
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Views: 147
Highly Recommended Practical Real-Life Books
Dr. Paul T. Jackson asked me to post the following as a discussion starter. What would you add.
Here’s a focused starter list of practical, everyday-life books that many church libraries find helpful for patrons—resources that support people facing
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Views: 161
Exporting a catalog to another software vendor?
We have been told recently that our library may have to change from Follett to Surpass due to Follett pricing continuing to rise. Also, we are so behind on Follett updates that if we upgraded, our server would not be able to support Follett. Would t
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Views: 132
Reading Time for Children
Also, do many churches have reading time for children? If so, what time of the week and how did you develop it? Would you consider it a ministry of the church or just an offering to parents to encourage reading?
Denise Roberts
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Views: 131
Book Clubs
Do many people have book clubs in their church, and if so, how is it done, and how has it been received?
Denise Roberts
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Views: 188
Purging Books Today
How do librarians purge books? I know this has been discussed before, but as newer books are becoming increasingly "edgy," should we be keeping some of the older "tried & true" and if so, what criteria could we use to make our decisions?
Denise Robe
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Views: 232
Church Librarians Network Q&A Topics
Do you have a topic or question you would like for me to post for you. Reply here to share it with me. I will post it for you.
Morlee
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Views: 391
Shifts in Library Training Models
We have several CLN members who are on conference teams who plan training events for librarians. One complaint that these planners often hear is “I’ve already heard him or her speak so I don’t need to go to that session.” OR “I want to experience som
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Views: 111
5 Shifts for Our Churches in 2026
Recently I viewed a very interesting webinar that intrigued my thoughts about 2026.
Carey Nieuwhof is a Canadian pastor and a leadership expert known for helping church leaders thrive in a rapidly changing world. Recently, he did a free webinar title
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Views: 351
Building a Different World?
As I prepared for the Tennessee Library Conference that took place this past Saturday, I collected random quotes to share in specific sessions.
For my first session, I planned to use the following quote as a conclusion to our focus on Revitalizing o
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Views: 79
Library Desk Books for Today's Libraries
We have discussed the Desk Book in the past. Click here to find some ideas for organizing and what to include in a Desk Book. This relates to the idea of being prepared when someone suddenly steps away from the library team. The free book Church Li
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Views: 116
Roxy Klassen wants to know . . .
What reveiw sites do you use to determine if a book should be added to your library?
I've used https://www.alignmyread.com/ for adult books.
And https://christianparentreviews.com/ for kids books.
But they don't hav