Converse Library...Continuing The Conversation

Presbyterian’s love books. So when Converse Library moved its 3,000+ volumes from its old home in Converse House to the newly-expanded Fullerton Room in the Ministries Center, it was cause for celebration. The new space, with its generous shelving and loads of natural light, is perfect for browsing. It’s a quiet place where you’ll find plenty of old friends on the shelves, and new ones eager to make your acquaintance.

The library also has transitioned to a new digital system to make it easier to search for books and check them out of the library. You may use this new system on the dedicated library iPad, or even browse the entire collection from the comfort of your home, including putting holds on any titles of interest. Can’t take the class but want to read the book? Put a hold on it, and it will be waiting for you. Want to read some recommended books on racism but can’t fit another book in your house? Library books are yours for a month. Will bibliotherapy help you through issues of grief and loss? Would you like to plant a garden using plants from the Bible? Or understand another’s faith tradition? And what is this Chautauqua thing? Come in and see what we have for you.

What will you find in Converse Library? What you would expect – deep collections in Presbyterian and Reformed theology and history and Christian classics – and plenty that you wouldn’t expect. Books on social issues, the environment, social justice, comparative religion, health and wellbeing, and much more. Check out the new shelves in the Ministries Center Court for an everchanging display of new, seasonal and topical books. Look for books with blue dots on their spines – because not only do we read books here at BMPC, we write them!

Kat MacMurray, the librarian, is available on Sundays to give you a tour, answer questions, and help you find books. Kat has a master’s degree in library science from Indiana University/Bloomington, was a dealer in rare books, and has been BMPC’s librarian since joining the church in 1997. Interested in volunteering? We always need help with shelving books.

What will you find in Converse Library? Books that will comfort, challenge, entertain and inform. Books that reflect who we are - a congregation committed to making this a better world. Help us continue the conversation.

Converse In The Court

Find this bookshelf located in the Court on the lower level of the Ministries Center with a new display each month. Feel free to browse these featured books and even check one out by using our online catalogue! For more information, make a visit to Converse Library or reach out to Kat at Katrmac2@icloud.com.

Converse Library Cards

This summer we will be connecting members with the Converse Library collection by printing and distributing personalized library cards. Sunday mornings following worship, you will find library volunteers in the Atrium who will show you how to search the catalog online and create your own card so you may check books out with ease.

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Need a card but won’t be here this summer? Contact AliciaFranklin@bmpc.org to place your order.