A Public Christian Library: a Unique Model for Evangelism Jim Barnes Prague Christian Library
Volume 46 | Issue 3 Article 3
2003 A Public Christian Library: A Unique Model For Evangelism Jim Barnes Prague Christian Library
Laurie Barnes Prague Christian Library
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Recommended Citation Barnes, Jim and Barnes, Laurie (2003) "A Public Christian Library: A Unique Model For Evangelism," The Christian Librarian: Vol. 46 : Iss. 3 , Article 3. Available at: http://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/tcl/vol46/iss3/3
This Article is brought to you for free and open access by Digital Commons @ George Fox University. It has been accepted for inclusion in The Christian Librarian by an authorized editor of Digital Commons @ George Fox University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. A PUBLIC CHRISTIAN LIBRARY: A UNIQUE MODEL FOR EVANGELISM
Jim & Laurie Barnes The following profile article is The library selection process is very designed to share an example ofa specific and the collection is focused in Missionaries & Associates unique model ofministry based on the several key areas including Biblical Institute for concept and vision ofa public Christian studies, theology, marriage and fam ily, library located in a "marketplace" relationships, applied Christian living, Christian Resources, environment, open and available to the and other specific modem issues Prague Christian Library general public. Prague Christian addressed from a Christian perspective. Library, located in the capital city of The library also includes a rather Prague, Czech Republic the Czech Republic, was originally extensive children's collection as well established and received government as Christian fiction and biographies approval as a non-profit foundation in which are quite popular the Spring of 1999. In a society where reading and education, as well as dialogue and he foundational premise of the discussion are so highly valued - work ofPrague Christian Prague is the home of Charles Univer T Library is to provide a place sity, one of the oldest universities in all where anyone (believers, seekers and of Europe - the vision is one which is observers) can come and access not only culturally relevant, but meets a information related to Christianity and real and practical need for Christian the Bible and is designed to acquaint materials. It seems that in a culture users with a Christian world-view. where trust remains a real issue, and the The library serves both the Czech view of the church is quite tainted, the and English speaking international and situation is such that many people will users and patrons include about half come to a library who may not feel as international and half Czechs - more comfortable in visiting a church. than half of the Czechs speak English In order to offer the sort of environ and want to specifically access English ment which is truly conducive to language materials. providing complete freedom and Currently the library, which is fully opportunity for personal choice automated, contains 2,500 plus re regarding the Christian faith, as well as sources (approximately three fo urths convenient access to Christian materi English and one fourth Czech), includ als, it also becomes essential that the ing books, videos and audio tapes but library be established as a legal entity we are looking to also add CDs, separate and independent of any magazines, position papers and other church, religious or educational Christian materials with a goal of institution. Legally the library was 5,000+ in the current location. There founded and operates as a society for are books in both English and Czech, public welfare (non-profit organization) as well as smaller collections in other with oversight by a Czech board of regional languages including German, directors. Hungarian, Polish, Russian, Serbo While keeping the operational and Croatian and Slovak. legal boundaries clear, the library is a
90 The Ch1_S€n]1ibrarian, 46(3) 2003 part ofan informal English library to actually purchase and ship books. themes followed by a time of crafts, consortium, and as such works in In addition to the gifts of books, the games and singing. cooperation with other libraries to help basic operating expenses of the library We are also in the process of support the various educational and are currently provided for by regular continuing to develop and offer a leadership development needs which grants including gifts from various variety of programs for Czech kids, and exist. The collection very much individuals, churches and organizations the opportunities for ministry abound at complements what is available (in many given through the Institute for Christian the local pre-school and nearby cases there are limited resources) in the Resources, which serves to sponsor this elementary school which actually various seminary libraries, and is quite particular library development project. specializes in languages. Unfortunately often used by students from the Sources of income include user with limited resources, we have yet to Protestant Faculty of Charles Univer fees, fines, special book orders and be able to take advantage of all the sity, Anglo-American College, as well room rental. Current operating expenses opportunities which exist. as those from both the International amount to approximately $1 000 USD/ With the launch of the library Baptist Theological Seminary which month. Eventually the goal is that the website, more individuals from outside serves the needs of the entire European library will become self-sustaining and of Prague are discovering and inquiring Baptist Union, as well as the Evangeli gain financial support through the local about borrowing privileges. As such, cal Theological Seminary, the largest Czech and international churches. we have thought about, and want to find evangelical seminary in the Czech As a means to introduce people to, ways to be of better service to, those in Republic, sponsored by the Cirkev and actually support the use of, the more remote locations - including the Bratrska (Czech Brethren Church). library resources throughout the year possibility of developing and operating Working directly with Christian the Prague Christian Library also hosts a bookmobile system publishers both in the United States and different lecture series on various issues Future plans also call for a vision of U.K., the library is able to receive of applied Christian living, and dealing replication which will provide for normal library discounts for purchase of with practical relationship and marriage establishment of similar public libraries new books. We also have developed and family needs. The library has also located in other major cities in Central sources for good quality used and out been the venue for several Biblical and Eastern Europe, with specific of print books and have also received studies series, as well as sessions which possibilities currently being discussed donations from several private collec examine the beliefs, issues, and for Budapest (Hungary), Berlin tions, but many of our books are practical aspects of comparative (Germany) and Zagreb (Croatia). * purchased using funds received through religions. For more information about the individual and church gifts. Many In addition, there are also a variety vision, purpose and operation of congregations have become involved in of other library activities including an Krestanska knihovna Praha (Prague special "Buy a Book for the Library" English language story hour for kids on Christian Library), please check out projects and in this case, a list of Saturday mornings. Average attendance the library website: www.christian desired books is provided, as well as is around 12 to 15 children each library.cz or e-mail: specific details and suggestions of how Saturday, with books on different JLEBarnes@compuserve. com.
(Continued from page 85.) age pride and confidence in the Associa tion to support new marketing initiatives. of celebration leading up to the 50th An tion, and to convey to the larger library The Board ofDirectors will meet October niversary of ACL in 2006. Valley Forge world our mission, vision, benefits, ser 30-November I in Cedarville, Ohio. Christian College near Philadelphia will vices, and products. The ACL Web site be our 2005 conference host site. Ideas has been re-designed. The Financial Ad It is a challenging and exciting time and information are appreciated by the visory Team, including our Business to be serving in the Association. Please 50th Anniversary Celebration Task Force Manager and Treasurer, are improving regularly ask God to guide the many (Dale Solberg, Coordinator.) our fmancial reporting capabilities and serving in the work. And let us hear studying the Association's use of hono from you! STRATEGIC DIRECTION 2002-2004 raria to express appreciation for service In His service, In the first business meeting session to the Association. ACL's management on June I 0, I gave an overview of mat structure continues to be studied and dis Steve ters on which our Board of Directors, and cussed. The Board of Directors changed Director of Operations have been work the terms of office for Treasurer, Secre Steven L. Preston, ACL President ing. Work is continuing toward a mar tary, and Directors-at-Large from two Director of Library Services keting plan to internalize in our members years to three years. Changes were also Milligan College, Tennessee the ACL mission and vision, to encour- made in the Director of Operations posi- [email protected]
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