Starting A Church Library Ministry

Regardless of the age or size of your congregation, or the size or condition of your space, you can begin a church library ministry. Here are some suggestions to help you get started.

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Get the support of your minister and congregation. Have the church vote to have a church library ministry.

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Gather a willing, dedicated staff, usually consisting of at least a director and associate director. Have the nominating committee present these names for election.

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Select a definite place in the church building for the library, ideally in a high traffic area.

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Write a mission statement to define the purpose of the ministry. It should include who does what for whom and why. (See Sample Mission Statement).

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Write a selection policy that establishes guidelines for choosing and accepting media resources. Have it approved by the church. (See Sample Selection Policy).

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Adopt a system for preparing and arranging media. The Dewey Decimal Classification

System and Sears List of Subject Headings are generally used in public school and church libraries.

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A library software program is recommended. Affordable software is available, and a computer and printer can sometimes by obtained from a church member who is updating his equipment.

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Establish procedures for circulating media, such as the days and times the library will be open, and the length of circulation time.

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Design your library space and furnishings. An attractive, inviting atmosphere facilitates the use of the library. (See Space and Furnishings).

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Determine your funding needs and submit a budget to the appropriate church committee. (See Church Library Budget Planning and Basic Library Supplies).

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Begin training the staff immediately, through individual study, or conferences offered by your association, state, or the Southern Baptist Convention. www.vbla.wordpress.com

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Secure media for the library, via purchase, donation or usable media found in the library.

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Prepare media for circulation. This will be an ongoing task so don't hesitate to open the library with only a portion of the media processed.

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Promote and open the library with fanfare, decorations, refreshments, give-away bookmarks and a dedication service so that the congregation knows that something special is happening in the life of the church.