Maplewood Baptist Church Library and Reference Room

On Sunday, September 20, 1992, the Maplewood Baptist Church Library and Reference Room was officially dedicated.

Many of you may remember that room under the stairs as a Sunday School room, a youth room, a recreation room with a pool table (?), a storage room and a junk room. When the opportunity arrived to make the possibility of a library a reality, the only room available was that little room under the stairs. Of course, it wasn't the best room in the church as far as size and accessibility was concerned, but with the approval of the trustees, we decided "to go for it".

There were five church members who believed in the library and its importance as a ministry of the church. They were Lester Dix, Joyce Glionna, Margie LaCau, Ruth Hiltz and Bernice Winson. With about four boxes of donated books, donations to the Growth Fund and help from former Pastor Joe DeCosta and Dick Smith it has become what you see today. It is a small, but well stocked library that includes many books, videos, cassettes and CD's.

At last count, (2004) we had about 1,625 books, 300 videos, 85 cassettes and 74 CD's. All of these have been posted to our computer for easy reference. We also have a TV, VCR and a copy machine. There is also a long table with chairs suitable for study, activities or committee meetings. We have games and puzzles for children of all ages. One entire bookcase is labeled "General" meaning that we have a complete set of Funk & Wagnall Encyclopedia and dictionary with yearly updates to the present and have managed to secure some "classic" literature as well.

All are invited to visit our library and browse through our bookshelves. Stop by and see "What the Lord Has Done".