Christian Formation - Our Library

CPC Library Basics

Contact: Mary Kienitz, 233-1701 mkienitz@sbcglobal.net

Our library collects mostly Christian books and media to help church members and regular attendees become better disciples of Jesus Christ and to grow closer to God. As overseen by the Christian Formation Commission, our materials promote learning and "growing by grace."

Where are the materials?
Media and the newest books are upstairs in the Narthex lobby outside the Sanctuary. Preschool books are upstairs in the childcare rooms and in the hallway outside them. Most books are in the library on the lower level outside Fellowship Hall, just off the Gorham Street parking lot.

When is the library open?
Sunday mornings 8:00-1:00.
At other times ask a custodian or other personnel to let you in.

What kind of books do we have?
Quality Christian materials, both classics and current, with various theological viewpoints. Non-Christian books support the church's core values and missions.

Adult books:
Bibles & Bible Resources
Religions; Church
Beliefs; Theology
Biographical
Society; Missions
Christian Living
Roles & Relationships
Literature & Art (including Fiction)
Holidays (Easter & Christmas)
Old Books

Young Adults:
Young Adult Fiction
Middle School Nonfiction
High School Nonfiction

Children's books:
Bibles for Children
Kindergarten-2nd grade
3rd-5th Grades


What kinds of media do we have?

DVDs and Videos
Young Children (preschool & primary grades)
Young People (about ages 8-14)
Family (all ages watching together)
Adult (late high school and adult)

Some are Bible based but not all are Christian. Some are wholesome entertainment that express Christian values. Others offer insights into current church ministries.

Music CDs
We choose quality music that clearly promotes a Christian message.

Contemporary Worship (as in the 11:15 worship service):
In alphabetical order by performers

Classical Worship, grouped by type of music (as in the 9:00 service)
Anthems
Hymns
Large Works (oratorios, requiems, etc.)
Organ
Wedding
Easter and Lent
Christmas and Advent
Misc.
 

Audio Books:
Mostly CDs; a few cassette tapes.

How do I borrow library materials?
Books are borrowed using an honor system:
Find the signout card in back of or inside the item's cover.
Sign your full name legibly and the complete date on the card with the item.
Drop the card into the small basket on the upstairs display table or on the counter in the library
Return media within 2 weeks to the lobby table RETURNS tray or to the book drop by the library door downstairs.  Please place CDs in the basket on top of the book drop.
Return books within 4 weeks.  If you need one for a church class, please note on the signout card when the class ends.

Do we accept donations?
Yes! Most of our library books are donated. We accept books that support the church's ministries and meet library goals. The complete Book Donation Policy is on the cover of the donations box outside the library.

What happens to books that are withdrawn?
Since we have limited space, we periodically cull sections for these reasons:
We have multiple copies.
The book has not been borrowed for five years.
It is outdated for its subject matter.
If published over ten years ago and it is not of enduring value.
It has been replaced by a later edition.
It is in poor physical condition.
It doesn't fulfill the library's purposes.

We put most withdrawn books on the bench outside the library for anyone to take free. Some are traded for books we want at a church library conference swap table. Selected books are added to the collection for our Road Home Guests. The remainder are donated to St. Vincent de Paul's book room.