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Spotlight: Heritage Library |
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Monday, 17 October 2005 17:53 |
Spotlight: Heritage Library
"I guess you could say that the Heritage Library has been resurrected…again,” laughs HBC volunteer librarian Marilyn Jackson as she stands in a sunny room filled with books. This is a quiet place, inviting study and reflection. There are tables, chairs and reading nooks. It’s a good place to spend time perusing print. Despite the welcoming atmosphere, Mrs. Jackson says the library is Heritage’s best kept secret.
“Circulation has been low because few people know there is a library,” she said. “I think many in the congregation think of this room as a classroom with a lot of books.”
The Heritage Library has made its home in room A3 since 2001. During that time, it has also served as a Sunday School classroom and children’s choir room. However, the recent shift in Sunday School rooms has provided increased availability for the library.
Despite its low profile, the library boasts over 2000 titles ranging from spiritual to secular, offering something for everyone.
“As a church library, most of our titles relate to spiritual growth and study along with Christian fiction,” said Mrs. Jackson, ”but we also have a significant collection on topics ranging from health to travel, finance and more.”
The current focus of growth for the library will be Christian fiction, adding more modern titles.
 Extra efforts have been made to encourage children’s reading. Heritage librarians have made a cozy reading nook with oversized floor pillows and book racks filled with brightly colored picture books and stories, perfect for the youngest readers. Heritage Children’s Sunday School and Extended Session classes also make good use of this collection, regularly borrowing children’s books for their lessons.
Mrs. Jackson, along with Heritage parishoners Carol Lee, Betty Burgess, Doris Boord and Bobbie Hurt have been hard at work cataloging and categorizing, working to make the library welcoming and user-friendly. Their efforts will be showcased in November at a library open house and prayer of re-dedication.
Which brings up the most unique feature of the Heritage Library: there are no library membership cards, no due dates and no late fees. It operates strictly on the honor system.
So, how do you check out a book? The library has clearly posted directions on a table by the door  outlining this simple process: remove the card from the book, sign your name, add the date and put the card in the clear plastic holder. When you are ready to return the book, get its card from the holder, cross out your name and put the card back in the book pocket. Place the book in the “book return” bin for a librarian to shelve later. It’s that simple.
“The books offered in our library are part of our ministry,” according the HBC’s Rev. Henry Green. “Reading is one of the greatest joys in life. The Heritage Library is another way we have of reaching out to our members, aiding them in study or recreation.”
Mrs. Jackson smiles when she speaks of the library.
“My hope is that this will become a center for study as well as light reading. We are blessed with so many titles and so much to offer everyone, young and old.”
HERITAGE LIBRARY AT A GLANCE
Hours: open any time the church office is open – Monday through Friday from 9 AM
Over 2000 titles on a variety of sacred and secular topics
Open to all members and visitors at Heritage Baptist Church.
Check out procedure:
- Remove the card from the back pocket of the item you are borrowing
- Print your name and today’s date
- Place the card in the clear plastic holder
Return procedure:
- Locate the item’s card in the clear plastic holder
- Draw a line through your name
- Place the card back into the item’s pocket
- Place item in the “book returns” bin in the library
No library card needed, no due dates set and no late fees charged. However, librarians kindly request that you return books in a considerate, timely manner.
YOU ARE INVITED!
HERITAGE LIBRARY OPEN HOUSE
On Sunday, November 6th immediately following morning worship, join us to celebrate the newly-reorganized Heritage Library with an open house and prayer of re-dedication. You will enjoy light refreshments and get a first-hand look at the library’s user-friendly arrangement in room A3. Volunteer librarians Marilyn Jackson, Carol Lee, Betty Burgess, Doris Boord and Bobbie Hurt have revitalized the Heritage Library into a well-organized source of information. With over 2000 titles to choose from, there is something for everyone!
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Heritage Spotlight is written by Lea Hurt for publication on the web site of Heritage Baptist Church. For reproduction or usage of this article or any accompanying photos, please contact Lea at
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