We recently did a construction project in our church and our head librarian successfully "lobbied" our council to move our library out of the basement into a large hallway upstairs with easier access. It was made more inviting in the process. I wish I could attach a picture to let you see it. A gifted carpenter of our church made book shelves to match existing woodwork. A padded window seat (with storage cubes underneath) was added under the original stained glass window. A matching antique dresser became the storage for librarian supplies. The collection was reduced due to space constrictions, but still contains a variety of options for a variety of interests. It is no longer behind a locked door and self-serve check out is allowed during the week. It has been a worthwhile change and we've found that even with all the other options available for reading there are a number of people who still like to hold an actual book in their hands.
Posted in: Is There Still a Place for Church Libraries?
We recently did a construction project in our church and our head librarian successfully "lobbied" our council to move our library out of the basement into a large hallway upstairs with easier access. It was made more inviting in the process. I wish I could attach a picture to let you see it. A gifted carpenter of our church made book shelves to match existing woodwork. A padded window seat (with storage cubes underneath) was added under the original stained glass window. A matching antique dresser became the storage for librarian supplies. The collection was reduced due to space constrictions, but still contains a variety of options for a variety of interests. It is no longer behind a locked door and self-serve check out is allowed during the week. It has been a worthwhile change and we've found that even with all the other options available for reading there are a number of people who still like to hold an actual book in their hands.