It’s been a while since I posted a librarian update!

As a reminder: years ago, I offered to take over the running of our church’s library. Since I love books, it seemed the perfect fit!

Well, as of late, due to the pandemic restrictions, our little church library has sat unused. (The books at least are unused: our pastors have been using the room itself as a place to record their online sermons.) And due to the continued restrictions on gatherings, the books will likely sit unused for a while yet.

When I first realized this, I was hit with a feeling of loss.

I’ve done so much in that library.

One thing I changed early on was the fiction section: dividing it into separate genres, and sorting the books by author. It took a lot of work - and some dear helpers - to get that done. And since it’s been finished, I’ve noticed readers picking out their favourite genre, or taking out books from a particular author.

Since then, I’ve done so much re-organizing, moving, buying, and removing of books in the non-fiction genres, I don’t even remember what it was like before I became the librarian.

I’ve spent many hours caring for the library’s hundreds of books, driven by a vision to “connect people with books that are meaningful to them.” I feel I’ve succeeded in this vision: answering people’s questions, directing them to various titles, and making the organization easier to follow.

I’ve missed that, and the purpose I felt there.

However, I’m also convinced God knew I would need the break, and the chance to step back and take joy in what has been done - instead of only seeing what still needs doing.