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Not a Sunday morning passes that someone doesn't happen upon our church library for the first time, often by accident on the way to pick up a latte at the coffee shop. I like to watch for it—the look—an expression that says, "I've stumbled upon a treasure chest full of goodies." Bible study materials, family-friendly movies, the latest and greatest Christian fiction, and VeggieTales for the kids, all free and available for checkout any time the building is open.

While some pastors see libraries as "old school," choosing to discontinue them or to replace them with bookstores, church libraries can still be vital and relevant ministries.

In fact, the tough economic times of the past couple of years have made this more evident than ever.

The main purpose of a church library should be to support the mission of the local body. Rita Kirkland, a librarian at First Baptist Church in Euless, Texas, aptly describes it as "encircling the ministries in our church and supporting them with our resources and talents." A church library is a storehouse of materials that reinforces a church's message or aids people who want to dig deeper. Libraries have also become a place where individuals and families can find entertainment that uplifts spirits and enlightens minds instead of assaulting their values.

The library is not just a place, however. It is also a ministry that requires dedicated volunteers with a heart for people, not just a love of reading. People dealing with the difficult experiences of life, like the loss of a spouse or a wayward teen, often will read a book before they seek counsel. As librarians, we often hear their heartbreaking stories as they explain what kind of book they are looking for. On many occasions, we provide kind words and hugs before leading them to the appropriate shelf. The right book with a Biblical perspective may help people through a bumpy part of life's journey, and it might just help them see their need for pastoral care.

The recession further demonstrates the ministry aspect of a church library. Tight personal budgets don't allow families the discretionary funds to purchase all the books, CDs, and DVDs they used to buy. Church libraries can fill the void.

A young mom told me recently that her husband's business income took a huge dive last summer. They make weekly trips to the church library to pick up movies for the family to watch at home; it is their main source of entertainment. Monthly usage of our library has increased 47 percent since 2008. A growing congregation explains it in part, but I believe the downturn in the economy has contributed as well.

If your church doesn't already have a library ministry, should you start one? While a church library is certainly a valuable resource to a congregation, it is a ministry that requires long-term commitment and dedicated volunteers. You should consider whether you have the support, space, and manpower required to begin and maintain a church library.

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