Library Life #9

Library ministry…the importance of encouragement

	Kathy Giesbrecht

I continue to be amazed by the amount of impact a little encouragement can have. This is especially true when it comes to church libraries. The simple mention of a new book during the worship service, a bright 'New Books' sign on the bulletin board, a note in the church mail box, these small nudges can be all it takes for someone to pick up a book (maybe for the first time!). I offer the following ideas for your summer reflection, perhaps in the Fall you might want to try out one or two of them.

Ideas to Encourage Reading

• Start a Book Club. This can take a variety of forms, but basically you are inviting people to read on a regular basis. Book clubs for children/youth can involve rewards for reading, book clubs for adults can involve social time for 'book conversation'. Sometimes inviting people to sign up to read is all the encouragement they need to become a more avid reader.
• Submit Book Recommendations to the Church Bulletin Regularly. People appreciate recommendations, especially new readers. Pointing people to books they might enjoy is a good way to 'hook a new reader'.
• Each month post a list of new library books. This reminds people that the library is always growing.
• Place a display of new or seasonal books in the lobby. This is one way to bring books to people's attention by taking them off the shelves into the space they frequent.
• Offer Library Tours to Sunday School Classes. Starting in Sept., host a different class each week. Introduce them to the library and highlight books/videos that they might be interested in.

Great Additions to a Church Library….

Faith Talk with Children

For use with children ages 3-10, this is a set of 96 share cards, 24 in each of four categories ( Memories, Feelings and Actions, Wonder and Growing Together) to use at family intersection times such as care time, lap time, play time, bed time, vacation time, sick time or making memory time. Complete card set in cloth holder. Cost $30.00. For a preview call the Resource Centre; to order call the Youth and Family Institute Toll Free # 1-888-838-6626.

Journey Toward Forgiveness Video

This hour-long documentary powerfully demonstrates that those who are able to embark on a process towards forgiveness- though heartrending and difficult- find it to be the path to inner healing. 58 min. includes 6 different stories. Produced by Mennonite Media. For a preview call the Resource Centre; to order call Family Life Network 1-800-565-1810. Cost $40.00.

Pursuing Peace: The Essence of Mennonite Central Committee

Excellent booklet intended to explain Mennonite Central Committee's pursuit of peace. Chapters include: Biblical Foundations, The Early Church as a Peace Church, The Anabaptist Movement, The Essence of Our Peacemaking Commitment and more. Call Resource Centre to preview or to order. Cost $6.00.

This Library Life idea sheet was prepared by the Mennonite Church Canada Resource Centre. We welcome your feedback and invite you to give us a call at 1-866-888-6785.