If you think the day of the church library with a musty collection of books no one wants to read is over, you're probably right.  We've all seen the odd church book shelf or library table where its contents have not been touched in living memory.  If anything such an entity may have inadvertently become a potent symbol for the church.

 However, if you think that a church library with an exciting selection of books, pamphlets, magazines, tapes (audio and video), CDs, games, toys, CD-ROMs, computer bulletin boards and even Internet facilities, is just a dream, you're wrong.

 Strategically placed and assembled by a few creative and visionary people in the parish, such a resource can be like having another minister on the church staff.  For a fraction of a minister's salary package, a multi media facility can be set up, attracting and serving the congregation and community.

 Consider the following: people from the community looking for resources on spirituality, prayer and matters relating to well-being; children eager to borrow books and tapes; a man who says that in playing a game of Biblical Trivial Pursuit with his family he learned so much more about the Bible; young people looking for that special resource that could offer them the possibility for faith.  I have witnessed this and more.

 Here are so many good things to be said about the opportunities a church library offers.  In addition to the above, it can be an attractive environment to meet or a gentle place to retreat and reflect (if suitable appointed).  It is a symbol that the church is wanting to think about faith and cares about the intellectual and spiritual development of its members.

 When you think about how people become Christians, there are always times when they need to sit quietly and think; to allow the stimulus of what they are experiencing to move them to times of reflection and decision.  The library resources and library space, separately or together, can play a very significant role.