[Publib] Churches & libraries?

[James Casey]

When I was the director of the Pickaway County District Public Library (Circleville, Ohio), we had a service area of 500 square miles and service population of about 50,000, but only one main library facility (an 8,000
Sq. Ft. structure built in the 1890s).  With zero branches (at that time,
1984-92) we nevertheless had parents of pre-school age kids who wanted to have access to storytimes for their toddlers and pre-schoolers.  Driving some 10 or 15 miles to Circleville to our little public library wasn't much of an option.  The schools wouldn't or couldn't help.  However, there were church buildings in every small hamlet and village in the County.  In dealing with Pastors and Church Councils, I was able to get them to agree to allow us to hold storytime programs in their church school facilities.  

I wrote a grant for a vehicle, staffing, books, etc. in our "Storytime on Wheels" program (1991-92) and it was funded by the State Library of Ohio for one year in addition to the purchase of the vehicle.  About 15 churches cooperated and served as sites around Pickaway County.  From what I understand, the program is still going 15 years later.  Pickaway Library has come a long way since 1992, however.  They not only have a 20,000 square foot main library (opened in January 2003) and a nifty web site, but one Branch facility in Ashville (the second largest village in the County).  


James B. Casey  --- My own views
Director of Oak Lawn Public Library
ALA Council Member

________________________________________
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]
On Behalf Of Buzzy Nielsen
Sent: Thursday, May 11, 2006 9:14 AM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] Churches & libraries?

Hello all,
 
To follow-up on the great conversation about discussing religion in the
public library, I have a slightly different question: what are effective
strategies for working with churches, temples, and other religious
institutions?  I used to direct a small public library, and the churches
were a crucial part of the community.  However, few people who attended the
churches came to the library.  Nonetheless, it seemed like the
churches would be a very beneficial partner in promoting library events,
developing collections, and reaching new patrons.
 
However, despite the benefits, the potential for proselytizing, challenges,
and generally turning off other patrons worried me.  Do any of you have
suggestions or examples of how to effectively partner with religious
organizations?  Any thoughts would be most appreciated.
 
Cheers!
Buzzy Nielsen
Dual degree candidate, 2008
School of Information
Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

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