SPACED OUT THOUGHTS by VCLA librarians!

LOCATION! Library needs to be in a common area for all to see and know it is there. Have a separate area for children

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The library should have:

1. the amount of space needed for the collection
2. lower shelves in the children's area.
3. light, light, light!
4. open space. This is important. Don't try to cram too much into the area.
5. comfortable seating.

Display windows are very helpful in letting the membership know about the new items in the library. If the church is having a special emphasis on a particular subject, it's a good way to let members know what's available.

Location, location, location...try really hard to get the library close to the sanctuary so you catch folks coming and going.

SPACE!...to have tables and chairs...space enough to have the different categories separate...space for a work area...and matching furniture.

LOCATION — LOCATION — meaning visibility AND accessibility. If you have to share the space, keep in mind those you share it with. Consider their ages, habits, etc.

Visibility is crucial — you must be seen by the maximum number of people possible.

If location is not the best, a bulletin board, display, or checkout table in a busy part of the church is a good idea.

If you have to invent work space, put pegboard on the backs of some bookcases, and place them about 4 to 5 feet away from the wall and use the space behind them for work space. You can put a small desk, table, and bookcase in that space, and hang tools, decorations, etc. on the pegboard.

One popular item that can be in a library is a fish bowl — a large vase, some colored marbles in the bottom, a beta fish (Siamese fighting fish) and a peace plant — all from Wal-Mart.