Branches   the e-newsletter for church librarians

  May/June 2010  ~  National Church Library Association  ~  www.churchlibraries.org 

MAY/JUNE 2010

Keep Kids Reading over the Summer

Thinking about summer reading incentives for the kids? Share these ideas from MomsGather. Reproduce this list for your library families and customize it by attaching a list of recommended titles from the church library . . . . Read more>>> 

11 Uses for Repurposed Library Card Catalogs

Why didn't we think of this? In her blog, Poetic Home, photo stylist Grace Light shares a plethora of creative ways to repurpose library card catalog cabinets. Those of us who have automated our libraries and put card cabinets out of a job will appreciate knowing that these specialty cabinets (we thought were dinosaurs!) are actually literary treasures . . .  View photos and read more>>> 

In recent years, Christian and inspirational fiction has blossomed with new writers entering the field every day. Here are some authors you might not have met yet, and others who may be old favorites . . . See list>>>

"We're Christian moms who not only love books, but love helping our kids learn to love books - and the Lord. This blog is our ministry, started because we couldn't find a comprehensive website of Christian children's picture book reviews. We hope you find it useful . . ." Visit the Christian Children's Book Review Website>>> 

In 1935, Allen Lane, chairman of Bodley Head publishing, spent a weekend in the country with Agatha Christie. While he was waiting for his train back to London, he browsed shops looking for something good to read. He struck out. And then he had a "Eureka!" moment: What if quality books were available at places like train stations and sold for reasonable prices . . . Read more>>>

An annual National Non-Fiction Day has been created by the Federation of Children's Book Groups with the inaugural day taking place on November 4th. It will be dedicated to celebrating the best information and narrative non-fiction books for children . . .  Read more>>>

Worried that book publishing is doomed? Think again! Watch this 2½ minute video prepared by Dorling Kindersley Books. Originally meant solely for a DK sales conference, the video was such a hit internally that it is now being shared externally. Make sure you watch it up to at least the halfway point, because there is a surprise! . . . Click here to view>>> 

NCLA Board of Directors Wants You

Are you excited about church library ministry? Do you have time and a desire to become more involved and give back to your association? We invite you to serve as a member of NCLA's board of directors. What's involved? Board members commit to a two-year term. The board meets quarterly via conference call, and communicates between meetings by email. Cross-country travel is not required. Board members provide invaluable guidance, actively participate in supporting the organization, research new opportunities for growth and set direction for the future. We want you! For more information email NCLA Executive Director Sue Benish

"This is a great way for congregations to add to strained budgets! If you go to our Website http://stpauls-dayton.org, you will see a small icon for Amazon at the bottom of our home page. When someone from our church clicks on this icon it takes them directly to Amazon and all purchases give a small percentage back to St. Paul's. The purchases don't necessarily have to be books; any purchases count.

To sign up, go to Amazon's home page. On the lower left hand corner, you will see a box that has partnerships, businesses, etc. Click on partnerships and go from there. Amazon is very helpful in setting this up with you. Within the last 6 month period our church has benefited $400.00!"  -Sharon R.

Here's a solution several of our member librarians use. These members are designating one of their regular weekly or monthly church offerings to go towards NCLA membership for their library. That way, they say, the library is able to renew, the librarian is supplementing the library budget (but not having to increase their total giving to the church), and the payment for membership becomes a tax deductible donation. A win-win situation!

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On April 17 I had the privilege of spending the day at the Chicagoland NCLA Chapter meeting at the First Presbyterian Church in La Grange, Illinois. Becky Berg and Sandy Matalis planned a very inspiring workshop program . . . Read more>>>

You're Invited to the Next Chapter Event!

NCLA chapters invite YOU to join them at their next meeting. Our regional chapters host educational sessions, hands-on workshops, speakers, a forum for exchanging ideas and resources and much more, at minimal cost to you. Best of all, chapter events provide fun opportunities for socializing and networking with other church librarians.

You do not need to live in the immediate vicinity of an NCLA chapter, or be an official chapter member to attend these regional events.

Click here for dates and locations of upcoming chapter events near you. Contact the event organizer listed for more details about specific events and for local travel and lodging recommendations if needed.

We look forward to meeting you at a chapter event this year!

"We did it!!!  NCLA's first virtual meeting added a new resource to a thriving support system for church library ministries all over the U.S.

A few technical difficulties did not prevent our group who is very interested in learning/sharing ideas about library ministries from like-minded individuals . . . our commitment to help others along the way was evident all month as we prepared for this on-line event that let us "meet" other church librarians and helpers from home. 

An unplanned but not unexpected surprise was the obvious comfort level and many conversation items discussed by these 7 pioneers . . . Read more>>>

U.S.: Lynchburg VA, Montgomery AL, Longs SC, Chattanooga TN, Nashville TN, Talladega AL, New Orleans LA, Appleton WI, Stow OH, St. Paul MN, Rockford IL, Lee's Summit MO, Downers Grove IL, Salina KS, Yakima WA, San Marcos CA, Upland CA, Houston TX, Phoenix AZ  

 CANADA: Cambridge ON

  New!

Click here to find a local NCLA Chapter on our new interactive map

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Librarians enriching librarians in ministry . . .

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