Stop by the library any Sunday or any evening to check out a book. The procedure is very simple. Just enter the following information in the log: your name, phone and what you borrowed. If you prefer to stop by on a weekday, be aware that you must sign in and out of the Parish Day School space in order to get access to the library. Please do not attempt to use the library before 3 p.m. as the Parish Day school uses the room until that time.

Can I check a book out?

By all means; we operate on an Honor System and books are available evenings and weekends. To check a book out, simply put your name, date, phone number and book title in the notebook provided on the Reference Shelf. Each shelf is labeled. Please do not remove any reference books. When you return a book, just leave it the “book return” bag in the corner.

What is in the collection?

We currently have about a thousand books. You will find many of the important authors in nearly every theological field of inquiry, including excellent commentaries and Bible reference works. The Historical Critics are there, as well many fine early twentieth and late nineteenth century translations of the great German theologians.

If you’re not into theology that’s fine, we have lots of works on marriage, raising kids, coping with teenagers; dealing with illness, death and dying. Of course there are books on personal and community prayer and worship, as well as books on everything from substance abuse to Buddhism. Church history, liturgy and worship are there also. If you want to read or do research on an theological subject, we probably have it.

What’s not there?

Since we have no budget, we do not subscribe to anything but Interpretation and the Journal of the Anglican Association of Biblical Scholars. We also do not attempt to collect new releases unless they are by a well established theological author. For those, we refer you to our very fine Parish Book Store.

What’s new in 2008?

As always we solicit your contributions. We accept hard backs in good condition that have some theological, moral or ethical content. Although our growth has slowed due to space, in 2008 we have storage arrangements that allow us to grow again. Our goal is to double to 2000 volumes.

We hope to complete our collection of Sacra Pagina, add to our collection of the Interpretation Series and hopefully land some very fine 19th century works. We plan to expand our collection dealing with the Tanak, or to use the Christian term, the Old Testament. We are also interested works by Episcopal/Anglican clergy or secular authors.

After three years of offering on-line access to our collection, we will be taking a hiatus from that service until the need arises again, possibly in connection with relocation, down the road.

Also, after many years of using Dewey Decimal, we will be studying whether to emulate many other parishes with larger libraries that have abandoned that system for a more intuitive, easier to use organization. In these parishes, which we investigated in 2007 as part of the Design Team process, the system is akin to a used book store where books are shelved by subject matter. The system is simpler to use and administer. It also allows us to avoid defacing important works. We welcome your comments as we study this alternative.

What can you do?

To reach our goal of 2000 volumes, we need your help. Since we strongly support our unified Parish Budget, we do not ask for contributions. We do, however, solicit your books. If you know of anyone who is downsizing, we are happy to pick up books anywhere in the area. The book donations are tax deductible at fair market value. Books that are collectible or of significant value are stored in a safe place until we have more secure facilities. Significant contributions of collectible books will be appropriately recognized in any new space we may one day enjoy. Memorial donations are welcome. Finally, we ask for your prayers and guidance as we continue to grow.

Any questions or comments may be directed to David Wynne, volunteer coordinator of the Library. Email:
home: 425-0766
cell: 647-2130.