We want to make our church family aware of a change to the library space.
Over the past couple of years, we've had two things happening in parallel that have led us to reevaluate the way we use the library space. One is that usage of the library—both in number of items checked out and in number of people—has declined. The other is that several new discipleship needs have arisen: a new members' class in a central location, a parent resource space in a central location, a medium-sized meeting space, and others.
The Discipleship Committee considered both of these parallel tracks and determined that we need to repurpose the good and centrally located space that is the current library. They took this idea to the Operations Committee and asked them to consider a multi-purpose, flexible space that would accommodate these new needs in the area of discipleship.
The Operations Committee has begun that work. They have reviewed a concept drawing and are in the process of coming up with a good solution, and then implementing a plan to complete the renovation.
At the same time, Carole and Henry Williams (who, as you know, have volunteered in the library for 20+ years), have been working through all of the necessary logistics involved with downsizing a library. They are both in favor of this plan, and recognize the need to be good stewards of our space. We'll spare you all of the details on the downsizing, but you should know that we plan to keep many of the Biblical Commentaries that our Sunday School teachers use, as well as some children's books, which will be placed in various Family Ministry rooms around campus. We also plan to share some of the books with other church libraries, mission partners, and other entities.
The Discipleship, Operations, Finance, and Coordinating Committees and the Deacons have all heard this information and given feedback.
On Sunday, June 23 and Sunday, June 30 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM you will have the opportunity to stop by the library and take any books you may like to have for your own libraries at home. Library volunteers will be on hand to help you, and you will have a chance to thank them for their service.
