From the Librarian

Dear CLC Members,

I’m happy to announce that I am the new volunteer Church Librarian.

I am taking over for Linda Toltzman, who actually founded our church library and has managed it for decades. She has been very busy and decided it was the right time to step down. Many thanks to Linda for her awesome commitment to the library and for trusting me with the keys.

Now I’m hoping to tackle some of those projects Linda envisioned, and more, with the ultimate goal of making the library an updated, theologically sound resource that the congregation can find valuable and useful.

In the coming months, my main goals are to:

- Retire some of our old nonfiction books and start adding some modern books primarily from Concordia Publishing House (www.cph.org), which is an LCMS Lutheran publishing house and has LOTS of great and interesting books. You can find a few on the shelf already.

- Get a kid’s bookshelf that will display kids books cover-forward. Currently we just have a normal bookshelf for the kids books which isn’t the greatest for browsing. (If you have a bookshelf like this you’re getting rid of, can build one, or know a guy who knows a guy, please get in touch.)

With these ideas in mind, there are options for those who are interested in contributing to this ministry and in being a part of reviving our selection.

If you have some spare change or want to write a check, a black-and-white (and bedazzled!) donation box will be available near the library. Any contributed funds will go toward new books and a kids’ bookshelf. (Adult nonfiction books from Concordia average about $16 per book.) Any amount makes a difference and is greatly appreciated.

The other option is the small Library Fund, an option for memorial donations. This fund is used for new books as well. As always, you can also contact or stop by the church office to drop off a monetary donation toward the library.

Overall, I’m very excited about the possibilities for our library and hope that as I take on these goals and more, that others can find value in it as a resource and also discover more reasons to pause and browse, or check out a book.

Thank you for your support!

Kaylin

EXCITING BONUS MATERIAL FROM YOUR NEW LIBRARIAN:

Some of the NEW books on the shelf you might find interesting include:

- Has American Christianity Failed? “Rev. Wolfmueller sounds the alarm against the false teaching and dangerous practices of Christianity in America. He offers a beautiful alternative: the sweet savor of the Gospel, which brings us to the real comfort, joy, peace, freedom, and sure hope of Christ.”

- Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? “Reminds us who the real Jesus of the Bible is, but it also reveals to us twelve false christs who are embraced, loved, promoted, and revered—even by well-meaning Christians.”

- The Messengers trilogy (Fiction!) - The government tells 15-year-old Simon Clay everything he needs to know. Except what really happened to his mom. And why no one can go out at night. And why the Darkness is so dangerous. In this three-book series, Simon and his friends and family face danger, challenges, and struggles. But despite the peril they find themselves in, they are willing to do anything it takes to protect the Message worth dying for.

- Living with Dying: Blessings and Prayers for Those Who Grieve: “The uncertainty and fear at the approach of one’s own death can be overwhelming, as well. But as Christians we stay focused on the certainty of Christ’s mercy, grace, and salvation.”

- Church History, the Basics - “Offers a concise presentation of that history, making it widely accessible for those who are looking for an entry into Christian history studies.”

HOW TO CHECK OUT A BOOK:
Remove the paper slip from the back of the book. Write down your name and the date. Place the slip in the basket on the table by the Sunday School bulletin board. Please return books in the basket on the floor when you are finished with the book and the Church Librarian will re-shelve. (Recommended check-out time: 2 months).

DONATING BOOKS:
Preference at this time is for Concordia Publishing House books. However, donated books can be placed in the return basket. These will be processed or redistributed depending on the needs of the church library.

ABOUT THE GIG:
The Church Librarian does what any good librarian does — puts away books that have been returned, puts a call number and stamp on new books, and generally keeps things orderly. Occasionally dusts.