The Creation of a New Ministry

It was spawned from an idea of the Spiritual Life Committee. A steering committee was formed and after much thought and prayers, many planning meetings and by the grace of God, the concept of a new parish library began to unfold.

Father Joe has designated the Zachary Room as the location and three sub-committees were formed to further plan, setup and operate the new library.

The Space Planning Committee is tasked with planning and coordinating the floor lay out. This includes researching the most cost effective and aesthetically pleasing shelving for books, periodicals, audio and video tapes, a desk and a reading area. This committee is co-chaired by John Morris and Rick Schaefer. At this time the alternatives being investigated range from purchasing shelving and furniture to building it all from scratch. It is quite possible we may decide on something that is a combination of both. Many thanks to Rick and John for their efforts on this challenging project.

The Operations Committee is tasked with setting up and running things on an ongoing basis. With some initial recommendations from Colleen Walsh, the school librarian, and after a visit by the committee members to a local church library, some ideas began to take shape. At this time we are considering using the Dewey decimal system to keep things organized on the shelves. This will allow us to keep everything grouped into subject categories. More details are forth coming on such things as a checkout and return system, etc. Maggie Hennel is heading up this committee, as well as, the steering committee. Thanks, Maggie, for all of your time and work over seeing us as we proceed.

The Selection Committee will coordinate the obtaining and review of materials process. Hopefully, you have visions in your sleep as we solicit donations in the church bulletin, Tiger Tales, the marquee and here on the parish Internet Web site. I know it’s not that bad yet as we are off to a meager start. We hope to receive eighty to ninety percent of our materials through donations. Should an item not be accepted, if you include your name, it will be returned to you.  Mitch Singler will be leading this committee.

Your time and talent is needed now and in the future to keep this new ministry successful on an ongoing basis. Contact any of those named above if you can help. With everyone pitching in, even if you help only by donating, and by the grace of God we will be able to establish and grow this important new ministry known as the St John Parish Library.

Watch for the opening announcement date and hours of operation of your Parish Library coming soon!