7 Ways to Promote the Church Library

Last Wednesday, we looked at a few good reasons to continue to have a church library. [You can read that list here.] As I thought about that list, I also thought it might be good to think of some ways to promote our church libraries. Many of our members know we have one (thought some may not), but they do not know what is really there.

Here are 7 simple things we can do to promote the knowledge and use of our church libraries.

1. Bulletin articles. Many congregations list when new volumes are added to the church library, especially if they are added in memory of someone who has died. This is a great idea, but it also might be helpful for there to be a short book review every so often, that “highlights” a good volume or series in the library.

2. Library open house. Just as public libraries often have small promotional days to “show off” their collection, a congregation could take a Sunday afternoon to let folks just see what’s in the library. (Some of the other suggestions on this list can be done in connection with this.)

3. “How to Use” Day. Solid Biblical research is not easy. A well-stocked library has many volumes that can be helpful, but that can also be intimidating. Why not have a day (or personal sessions) where someone shows those who are interested some of the basics of using books like commentaries, concordances, and topical Bibles. If your library is larger, it might also be helpful to show those in attendance how “topical” books (books on family, finance, biographies, etc.) are arranged.

4. Add a computer with Bible software. If you have someone who can “lock” a computer, so that it can only be used for certain purposes, this would be a masterful use of library space. For around $2000, a congregation could purchase a nice computer and a huge library of books in a program such as Logos. If the computer is connected to a printer, those who are students of God’s Word can build a nice folder of material to study in a matter of moments!

5. Have books for those of all ages. Why not start a children’s library with a reading program in the summer? What a great way to help kids see the value in not only books, but books about the Bible! What a great way to help them study as teenagers for Bible classes or short lessons!

6. Keep adding volumes. Some congregations say, “We have a library, but no one uses it, so we just don’t add anything to it.” Maybe if you had someone who would seek up-to-date volumes to add on a regular basis, people might be interested. A library with nothing but 50-year-old commentaries won’t draw too many people. A library with those good volumes plus some modern writings, though, will be of great benefit.

7. Let people know it’s open! Some folks don’t know when they can come by and use the library. Most congregations have a policy that goes something like this: “As long as the building is open, the library is open.” That’s fine, but do people know that? Do they know where to take books to “officially” check them out? People won’t use things without information.

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What are some ways you can think of to promote our libraries?