Churches without libraries lack important resource for ministry

My view

Southwest Texas Conference churches without libraries don’t realize what they are missing.
The Laurel Heights UMC Library/Media Center opened in January 2006. Laurel Heights is just south of Trinity University in San Antonio’s historic Monte Vista District.
The state-of-the are library houses approximately 3,500 books and media, including videos, DVDs, CDs and audio cassettes, as well as computers and other electronic equipment.
The library’s mission is to support the total ministry of the church and to provide opportunities for inspiration, learning and spiritual growth of its patrons. The specialized multimedia collection contains a number of key resources, including the latest 12-volume set of the Interpreter’s Bible Commentary, books and media for adults and children, and materials used by United Methodist Women, the Walk to Emmaus and Stephen Ministry.
In honor of Laurel Heights’ centennial celebration in 2009, the library is developing a special section of church-related archival materials.
The library is available for use Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sundays from 9:30 until 10:45 a.m. With the exception of Sunday mornings, when library volunteers are available, the library operates on a “self-help/honor system basis.”
During the week, anyone wishing to use the library is asked to go to the first floor Reception Desk. First-time users will be asked to provide information for the patron data base. After checking in with the receptionist, the patron will receive a key and will be welcome use any of the available library materials.
When the patron finishes using the library, he or she returns the key to the receptionist and can also check out books and media.
Patrons are not required to pay membership fees. With the exception of the reference collection, books and media may be checked out for three weeks at a time.
While the library doesn’t charge fines for overdue books, we do encourage patrons to consider making a donation to the library in lieu of a fine.
Sunday school teachers, leaders, clergy members, college students and laypeople are finding our library resources to be invaluable as they pursue their studies. The library also hosts Bible studies, book clubs, book reviews and children’s story times throughout the year.
The library serves as a part of Laurel Heights’ neighborhood ministry and is a portal of entry for non-church members.
You can learn more about the library, its collection and programs at mylhumc.org. On the library page, you can browse the book and media collection online.