The purpose of the library at St. Paul’s, Ivy is to assist in the spiritual growth and development of the parish by providing books, magazines, videos and other resources that will enhance the adult and children’s church school programs and inspire a better understanding of our faith. The library will also contain books on the history of St. Paul’s, Ivy.

Plans for a library began in April 2000 and the library officially opened on May 12, 2002. It is housed in a room of its own, adjacent to Neve Hall, in the Parish Hall building. It has grown from a very small collection of books mostly left by previous rectors, barely filling a single row, to almost three walls filled from top to bottom. There is a convenient large table in the center of the room with comfortable chairs for readers and workers. At last count there were some 2350 accessed entries, including some videos. What might be called the heart of the book collection is the 2002 Lewis Family donation of over 700 titles which once belonged to Bishop David Lewis. Other gifts, large and small, followed, adding to the scope of subjects represented. What is available now could be described as religious-eclectic, including good standard reference books and Bible translations and commentaries, along with books on comparative religion, Christian education, history, biographies, some fiction and self-help.

Our new Children’s Library has opened as well.  A group of very beautifully illustrated children’s books and other texts suitable for the younger set are now available in their cozy home downstairs in the education wing. Books are available for browsing and for checking out, just as they are in the adult collection.

The library uses the Dewey Decimal system, with both a card catalog and computer-generated lists by author, title and subject. Materials are signed out on the honor system. Books should be returned when read, or as soon as possible when requested by another. Generally, there is only one copy of any title.

The library is open whenever there is access to the parish hall - always on Sunday mornings and on most Mondays. There is no direct phone line to the library but information on access and help from the librarian may be requested through the church office.

For more information, contact our Library Committee or the church office.