We had established a main library and
were in need of additional space for the adult
section. We moved the children’s books near
their classrooms for easy accessibility, but the
selection was limited, outdated and easy to
pass by. Since January, thanks to our supportive
rector, the Rev. Eric Liles, and vestry, we have
purchased over 200 books for the learning and
enjoyment of our youngest parishioners. As
our community includes many young families
with small children, we concentrated on books
appropriate for ages 3 to 8. The Children’s
Library consists of three bookcases, a display
unit, a table and rocking chairs located in the
hallway outside the classrooms.
It was only after communicating with
the diocesan offices and the VTS Center for
the Ministry of Teaching that we discovered
we were charting new territory. With no
rules or guidelines to follow, we made our
own book selections. We shopped at used
book stores, Christian book stores, and online
at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Cokesbury and
Paraclete Press. The books were selected,
reorganized and displayed by subject. Local
author Kim Schmidt came to read her newly
published book, and two more local authors,
Marc Boston and Joseph Hicks, are scheduled
to read in the fall. By the end of May, we
fulfilled our purpose of bringing joy to many
children and parents in our church.
TIPS FOR STARTING A CHILDREN’S LIBRARY
• Use display units to show the front of the book - children do select
books by their covers!
• Apply at your local Barnes & Noble for an institutional card. This gives
20% off, no tax, delivery to your door and easy returns.
• Favorite authors include Bergren, de Paola, Lucado, Osborne, Sasso,
Tillman and Wildsmith.
• Please contact the church office at 434-979-6354 for further information.
PRACTICAL HINTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
• Our main library uses “Library Thing” software. We entered all of the
inventory under the categories of “St. Paul’s, Ivy” and “Juvenile.”
Anyone can go to the St. Paul’s website, tap “resources” and look up
our books.
• We established our own categories, separating books by subject
matter. This has made it easier for children, parents and teachers
to find books on particular subjects. We did not limit ourselves to
“religious” books and included themes such as wonder, friendship,
loneliness, forgiveness, thankfulness, love, grieving and good
sportsmanship. We also selected Bible Stories from the “I Can
Read” series.
• All books are stamped with our name. This is to identify the books
as property of the church so they are returned to us and not to the
public library.
• We have an honor system for checking out books with sign-out sheets.
CASS MORRIS
Cass Morris has been a member of
St. Paul’s, Ivy, since 1994 where
she was the Christian Education
Coordinator from 2000-2007. She
enjoys working in Outreach and the
Children’s Library and is a member
of the current Vestry.
VIRGINIA EPISCOPALIAN / SUMMER 2016
7