Take Advantage of Your Church Library!

by Nola Redd | More from this Blogger

13 Feb 2007 08:00 AM

My first calling in the church led me to realize that most members just don't take sufficient advantage of the branch or ward library. We tend to use it for lesson preparation, and not much else. Occasionally, we might check out a video, though most of the time we only do so for class. But most church libraries are well-equipped, even in smaller branches.

What can you find in your ward library? Here are just a few great materials I have utilized over the ten years I have been a member:

• Books - I'll start with what should be the most obvious. So many libraries have a wealth of books in their collection. These are generally nonfiction, but I have occasionally found some Sunday fictional books in the collection. My current branch has the entire series of The Work & the Glory, inspirational historical fiction. The older your ward is, the wider the collection tends to be.
• Magazines - Sometimes we will photocopy selections from the Friend magazine for sharing time in primary, perhaps the home or visiting teaching lesson, but did you know that you can often check out older editions of the periodicals? These make great resources, and provide a nice collection of short and varied articles to read on Sunday.
• Videos - Take a moment to scan the shelves and see what movies you might be able to take home to watch with your family. Perhaps you would like to watch portions of General Conference, talk by talk. Your children might enjoy watching the scriptures on TV. (On occasion, I have seen a few copies of the Living Scriptures videos that had been donated; these are rarely purchased.) Yesterday, I checked out a copy of Legacy, which my five and four year old enjoyed.
• Flannel board figures - Yes, these are a little old-fashioned, but kids still love them. Most ward libraries have primary kits that can be used not only for class but also for Family Home Evening. You can check out the collections, and often even the flannel board itself, to liven up the night. Take a few minutes one Sunday to ask what your library has and determine which ones will work in your next FHE. Your library may also have other Primary activities suitable for Monday night. Resources for Young Men and Young Women can also be found if one looks.
• Pictures - Again, we usually think of these as great aids for class, but they can also help supplement an FHE. Talk to your librarian about checking out a picture for a week so you can help your family visualize.

This is just a sampling of what can be found in most libraries. The selection varies from building to building. You'll never know what materials are available until you ask!

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Learn more about Nola Redd

Freelance writer Nola Redd is a stay-at-home mom to three kids, with a fourth on the way.

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blossy (1161) 16 Feb 2007 07:34 PM

We were fortunate that the library in our ward was moved to a different part of the chapel so there was a big clean out of the older resources. I wasn't able to get any manual like I was hoping however I did get a lot of the older ensign magazines.

Nola Redd (7081) 16 Feb 2007 09:09 PM

I love when they clean things out - lots of goodies to take home! I especially love the older Ensigns; they make for great reading.