Library Hours
-- Monday - Friday --
9:00am - 5:00pm-- Sunday --
9:00am - 9:15am5:00pm - 6:00pm
-- Wednesday --
7:00pm - 8:00pmWhat is a Church Media Library?
A Church Media Library exists to meet the mission of the church by providing an organized system and central location for information through books and other media. In contrast to a public or school library, the Church Media Library offers church members media which contain a Christian view of living and loving while advocating faith-based values.
Where is our Media Library?
The Belvedere First Baptist Media Library is located in Room 113 of the Educational Building adjacent to the church sanctuary.
What type of books/media can I find in the library?
We have a variety for any age group or stage of life. Selections include books, tapes, compact discs, videos and audio books, all categorized in children, youth, young adult, and adult sections. Among our offerings are Bible reference and study tools; media on witnessing and personal worship; biographies and autobiographies; Christian fiction and non-fiction; and guidance on family issues and parenting. Selections on personal growth and marriage enrichment are available as well. We also offer media for personal enjoyment, family entertainment and learning.
How is the media organized?
The Media Library organizes media according to media type: print (books) and non-print (videocassettes, compact discs, audio cassettes, etc.) All selections are designated by either letter or number by the Dewey Decimal System (DDS) and an expanded 200 Religion classification. The following age divisions are used:
• Adults and Young Adults (ages 18 or older)
• Youth (12-18 years)
• Juvenile (8-11years)
• Children’s Easy (pre-school through 7 years)
Media is further divided into fiction and non-fiction categories. Most media is alphabetized according to the first letter of an author’s last name. Non-fiction selections are shelved according to subject area as indicated by DDS. In addition, selections in the above mentioned categories are shelved separately after labeling to direct members to their proper location. Labels and signs are placed on the shelves to further assist you.
How is media circulated?
Our Media Library is a self-service system; you will find all materials needed for checkout on the checkout desk as you enter the library. When checking out books:
• Make your selection(s)
• Pull the library card(s)
• Write first and last name and the date of checkout
• Place your card in the card box in alphabetical order by the author’s last name
Selections are limited to 3 books for a period of 3 weeks.
Audiovisual materials (videos, CDs, audio books) are signed out in the notebook near the youth section:
• Sign your name and enter the current date
Selections are limited to 2 audiovisuals for a 2 week period.
Place your returned books in the black return box on the checkout desk. It is not necessary for you to find your card and replace it inside the card pocket. Return audiovisuals to the shelf and cross out your name and date in the audiovisual notebook.
How are media requests and media on reserve handled?
If there are media you are especially interested in, we want to know. Just indicate your need. Simply write your request, including author and title, and put the form back in front of the plastic slots. If you wish to discuss your request, or need more information, see one of the staff on Wednesday nights in the library or call the church office and we will return your call. We will be happy to locate media in our library on a specific topic using our computerized cataloging system.
Your request(s) will be held on reserve in your name for 7 days. In the event we are unable to fill your request, we will consider purchasing the item, if our budget allows. Teachers and group leaders may borrow and circulate media for longer periods of time for their classes if the media director agrees.
May I pass along books or audiovisual media of my own to be added to the library collection?
Our church selection policy encourages monetary gifts in the form of memorials. Monetary gifts may also be given to honor births, birthdays, retirement, anniversaries, Mother’s or Father’s Day, or recognition of any group or individual. We welcome appropriate donations as well. Books and other media may be placed in the donation area just inside the library. If the media meets the standards indicated in our Gift Policy, we will process it for library use. Otherwise, we will donate the media to needy charities or organizations.
How do I find out information on the latest additions to the library and services that the Media Library provides?
Besides providing easy access to appropriate media, our Media Library informs our membership of library happenings through the church weekly newsletter, individual flyers, and communication with Bible Study leaders. Family library opportunities such as Story Time and the Summer Reading Club for children and Book Talks for adults, are also shown in the sanctuary on the display screen. New media may be announced on the bulletin board outside the library, in flyers distributed to the Bible Study classes, or placed on display within the library itself, or outside on our display cabinet. Check the church website for topical booklists and upcoming events.
Questions?
Call 279-0415 with any questions, requests, or other concerns. That's why we are here!