Bookstores are “the place to be” these days. If your library’s the best-kept secret at church, consider closing it briefly for renovations, then celebrate a grand re-opening.
Diana Davis– Begin by ruthlessly disposing of outdated items. If the area is dark, lighten the color scheme, update lighting, or install a large plate window to open the library to the hallway. Redecorate with fresh paint, plants and Christian art. Rearrange shelving, and add a comfy chair or two and a lamp. Build a reading nook for kids. Install a book return drop slot and install directional signs in church hallways.
– Create an inviting atmosphere. Serve coffee, tea or cappuccino and play soft background Christian music. Recruit joyful volunteers who love God, books and people, and devise a painless method of book checkout. Post consistent, convenient hours, and joyfully open before and after every church event.
– Prepare a book-of-the-month display in the church foyer and list new books on the church Web site or newsletter. A “recommended reading” section of the library can feature favorite books of your pastor or church leaders. When members inquire about contributing books, be prepared with a printed wish-list and prices. Encourage members to donate their new Christian books to the library after they read them. Acknowledge books donated in memory of friends and family in the newsletter. A Sunday school class may plan a book shower to enhance inventory, or as an alternative to Christmas gift-giving, could draw names and purchase a library book in that class member’s honor.
– Invent reasons for people to come inside: on daylight savings Sunday, invite accidental early arrivers to the library; ask new members to stop by for a free gift, such as a scripture bookmark; host story time for preschool classes during worship; offer the library as a pickup point for sermon CDs, church information and event registration forms. Set up a computer workstation with links about salvation, missions, and church newsletter or Web site.
Do library evangelism. Display witnessing tracts and encourage library volunteers to share their faith. Print bookmarks with library hours on one side and the plan of salvation on the reverse. Offer a summer reading program for children or adults. Invite the community to a free weekday kid’s story time and open the library for outside use. Challenge members to share Christian books with unsaved friends.
Make your church library a happening place. Instead of “We have a library?” they’ll say, “Meet you at the library!”