2100 Bainbridge Street.
La Crosse, WI 54603
608-783-1484
info@olivetlutheran.org

Library

Library

Olivet has an amazing library filled with hundreds of Christian based books, CDs, DVDs and audio books. These materials are available for check out to help you deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ. To be a part of the Library Team, contact Carla Swerman at 608-781-0171 or by email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Purpose:

To provide Olivet’s members and friends—of all ages—with Christian-based materials that deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ and assist them in sharing the light and love of our Lord.

Size of Collection:

  • 235 music CD’s
  • 220 DVD’s
  • 90 audio books
  • 40 large print books
  • 1,700 fiction, non-fiction, and reference books for all ages

Hours of Operation: almost all times when the church is open; the library is a self-serve library.

 

Selection of Materials:

When determining if an item should be part of the Library’s collection, the Library Team uses these criteria:

  • Does it educate Olivet’s members and friends and aid them in their faith journeys?
  • Does it promote a healthy lifestyle—physically, mentally, and spiritually?
  • Does it support the various ministries and educational programs at Olivet?
  • Is it in accordance with Lutheran theology?
  • Is it current (when necessary), accurate, marketed by a Christian and/or reputable publisher, and written by a credible and/or esteemed author?
  • Is it Christian and/or Christian-based with high morals and wholesome values?
  • Will it contribute to a well-balanced and diversified Library collection that appeals to both genders as well as various age groups and ethnic backgrounds?
  • Is it in good condition, is its appearance inviting, and, if fitting, is it technologically appealing?

Any patron disputing an item on the Library shelves may contact Carla Swerman (781-0171) for a “Request of Reconsideration of an Olivet Library Holding” form. After having read, viewed, or listened to the item in its entirety, he/she can then submit the request to the Library Team for deliberation.

 

Materials:

Non-Fiction for Adults: biographies and autobiographies, history, current issues, men, women, marriage, prayer, devotions, recovery, grief, caregiving, health and wellness, aging, parenting, Christian living, religions, Bibles (both for check-out and for use at church), commentaries and other reference materials, and apologetics.

Fiction for Adults

Fiction and Non-Fiction for Teens, Young Adults & Children

CD’s for All Ages: contemporary worship, hymns, country, blue grass, gospel, instrumental, rock, hard rock, alternative, karaoke, devotionals, and Christmas

DVD’s for All Ages

Donations:

Thanks to the generosity of Olivet members and friends, in just five years, the Library has grown from a few hundred books to 2,300 items of varied genres. As the Library continues to improve, material and monetary donations will be needed and are always welcome.

Material Donations: Place them in the oak return bin inside the Library. Unless you wish to donate anonymously, fill out a white index card from atop the oak return bin and place it in the card slot. The card will give you the option of being identified as the donor in the Library’s database and/or having a nameplate with your name affixed to each donated item. You will also be able to estimate the value of the donated items and, thereby, document your in-kind donation for Olivet’s financial records as well as for your income taxes. In addition, the card will allow you to specify what you would like done with any donated items that the Library may not be able to use because they don’t meet the “Selection of Materials” criteria.

Monetary Donations: Write out a check to “Olivet Lutheran Church” and designate the money for the Library. Such contributions are a wonderful way to memorialize or honor a loved one and simultaneously help the Library! All monetary donations will be routed through the Olivet church office to be properly acknowledged—unless you wish to remain anonymous.

Circulation Procedures:

All items may be checked out for three weeks. They can be renewed another three weeks by contacting a librarian, e-mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , OR filling out a yellow card and dropping it in the card slot atop the oak return bin. Reserves can also be made by using the yellow cards, which are located atop the bin.

First time borrowers must record their contact information on a purple card that is available on top of the oak return bin. Any time a “registered” patron has a change in address, phone, or e-mail, he/she should also fill out a purple card and drop it in the card slot atop the bin. When checking an item out, legibly record your first and last name as well as the day, month, and year on the card in the rear pocket of the item. Deposit the card in the slot atop the return bin.

If you would like a reminder of when the item is due, record the due date (three weeks from today) on a blue card from atop the return bin. This “receipt” (card) can be put in the rear pocket of the item or used as a bookmark.

When returning an item, gently drop it in the slot on the front of the oak return bin. Please drop books in with the binding first. You may also express your opinion of any returned item by filling out one of the green rating cards atop the return bin. Your thoughts will help the Library Team better determine what materials to add to the Library collection.