Avid readers and Christian leaders know that good reading choices are the basis for a strong and vibrant Christian life.

Paul wrote to Timothy, "When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all, the parchments." 2 Timothy 4:13. Paul had need of books: how much more the growing Christian of today needs the stimulus of books for reference, for Bible study, for inspiration in Christian living!

Spurgeon wrote of Paul, "He was inspired, and yet he wants books! He has been preaching for thirty years, and yet he wants books! He has seen the Lord, and yet he wants books! He has a wider experience than most men do, and yet he wants books! He had been caught up into the very heaven, and had heard things that it was not lawful for a man to utter, and yet he wants books! He had written the major part of the New Testament, and yet he wants books!" (Barton: 100 Great Texts and Their Treatment, p. 111.)

The church library is a teaching tool, important to study for the individual, the class, and the congregation. The library supports the mission of the church as well as the growth of individual members' faith. The Christian, in his study of the Bible, needs the information, discoveries, and examples found in books.