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OUR
COMMITMENT
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To encourage,
inspire, and offer personalized support to you if you are
setting up a new library.
To provide direction, new ideas and education
in organizing, promoting, and maintaining your library, especially
if you have no previous library experience.
To help you respond to trends in resources
and technology.
To support you in promoting a Christian ethic
in your library.
To provide you with a local support network
in areas where chapter membership is available.
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OUR MISSON
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To
further the Gospel through Church Libraries.
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OUR
ORGANIZATION
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The National
Church Library Association, originally Lutheran Church Library
Association, was founded in 1958 by a gathering of lay people interested
in furthering the growth of libraries in Lutheran churches.
Erwin E. John sparked the flame and became the first president
and editor of its journal, Lutheran Libraries. He was supported
in the venture first by Augsburg Publishing House and then also
by the three other Lutheran publishers of the time, Augustana Book
Concern, Muhlenburg Press, and Concordia Publishing House.
Over the next few decades, membership reached unprecedented heights.
Local chapters took root and spread, providing valuable opportunities
for networking and support. In time, Christian church libraries
from all denominations were welcomed into membership.
In the fall of 2004, members voted overwhelmingly
to rename the organization National Church Library Association.
The name change
came as an acknowledgment of the organization’s now ecumenical
membership, as well as its desire to actively reach out to under-supported
libraries across all Christian denominations.
Today, new resources and support programs are always
under development at NCLA to serve the unique, evolving needs of
the church librarian. A mentor program, conferences, recommended
title lists, librarian guides, articles, new resource reviews, and
program ideas are available to support and educate members. A newly
expanded Web site and a vibrant, redesigned journal, now known as
Libraries Alive, are among the most recent developments.
No longer financially supported by the Lutheran publishing houses,
the organization relies on membership dues and gifts to support
its ministry.
How to support NCLA
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STRATEGIC
PLAN
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To strengthen
and expand the ministry of NCLA, these long term objectives were
adopted by NCLA in January 2005:
- To establish a solid financial base with an organized
fundraising plan and a foundation
- To increase membership
- To expand membership so that it reflects an
ecumenical balance of Christian churches
- To broaden member resources, materials, and
programs
- To establish relationships with related ministries
and businesses
- To increase visibility, recognition, and awareness
of NCLA
- To diversify and expand leadership
- To review and revise organizational structures
of NCLA
- To strengthen and energize NCLA chapters
- To utilize the Web site to disseminate
information, facilitate conversations, and fulfill other essential
organizational functions
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HOW YOU
CAN SUPPORT NCLA
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Through
membership in NCLA, church librarians receive publications, book
lists, and a network of support from fellow librarians who share
their dedication and enthusiasm for church libraries. But perhaps
more importantly, members of NCLA are partners in a ministry that
touches thousands of lives every day, through books, videos, music,
and other programs.
Whether or not you are already a member, please
consider supporting church library ministry by providing a donation
to NCLA. You can support NCLA library ministry in any of the following
ways:
- By including NCLA and its member church libraries in your prayers.
- By making an immediate donation to NCLA, in whatever amount
you are able.
- By becoming a Supporting
Member, or requesting your church or business become a Supporting
Member, by committing to an annual donation of $75 or more.
- By providing in-kind services or donations of
supplies to help reduce the costs of providing member services.
Email NCLA to request our Wish List.
- By making a larger donation to help grow NCLA endowment funds.
Please send donations to the address below. For
more information, please contact Sue Benish, Executive Director,
at the NCLA office.
Thank you for your partnership in spreading
the Gospel through library ministry.
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CONTACT INFORMAT ION
NCLA
CONTACTS
BOARD
OF
DIRECTORS |
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Karen Gieseke, President
Rachel Riensche, Secretary
Terry Maroney, Treasurer
Deanna Gordon
Doreen Knudson
Chris Magnusson
Violet Russell
Carol Spaulding
Sandra Thornby
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| LIBRARIES
ALIVE
QUARTERLY
PUBLICATION
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Editor
Sue Benish
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