OUR NINTH YEAR
ANNUAL UPDATE AND OPEN HOUSE INVITATION
Dear Library Patron, 5/23/2024
Since starting the library over nine years ago, one comment we have heard repeatedly from library patrons goes something like this: “I am so thankful for a place where I can let my children pick out any book they want to and know that it’s going to be ok…”
I cannot tell you how often we have heard comments like this, and how thankful people are for a library that has good Christian material.
How much do we need a Christian Library with Anabaptist Christian ideals? Well, maybe the better question would be, How precious do we count our Christian faith and heritage? If we count our faith precious to us, then we will want to read and meditate on upbuilding things. What we think and dwell on is what we become.
We truly live in unprecedented times! A couple of months ago, on March 25th, I was appalled to see this news flash.
Story hour at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, library cancelled over bomb threats.
A scheduled story hour at the Lancaster Public Library in Pennsylvania drew opposition from residents upset at the program’s agenda. According to the library’s website, the program “spreads awareness and acceptance by celebrating diversity, inclusiveness, kindness and love through LGBTQ+ literature for young readers” and was listed as open to all ages. The event was called off Saturday morning by Lancaster Pride, the organization that oversees the story hour, after the public library received bomb threats followed by the discovery of a suspicious package. An email, indicating “pipe bombs as well as fuel bombs” had been placed, apparently in response to the story hour, was sent to the library. The threats also specifically mentioned the home addresses of the library’s executive director, also president of Lancaster Pride. The suspicious package found in the library led to the evacuation of two city blocks. A state police bomb squad, with the help of a K9, found the contents of the package to be benign and the evacuation order was lifted after several hours. Although the library was cleared, Pennsylvania State Police issued a statement around 12:30 p.m., saying, “There are additional reported threats that are still being investigated. We are advising the public to remain away from the area of the 100 block of N. Queen Street.”
Source: Plain News, Forbes | ABCNews
Not only have they legalized being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, plus (others), they are actively promoting and pushing their agenda on people. No, not just on you as an adult, but also on “young readers.” It includes yourchildren!
IF YOU ARE NOT CONCERNED ABOUT THE SPIRITUAL AND PHYSICAL SAFTY OF YOUR CHILDREN WHEN GOING TO A PUBLIC LIBRARY, GUESS AGAIN!!
No, it’s not right to threaten to bomb your local library because of this agenda.
What our world needs to hear today is about the hope, love, joy, peace, light, and transforming power that is found in following and serving our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
2 Corinthians 4:3-6 says:
3 “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4 In whom the god of this world (Satan) hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.
6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Truly Satan, “the god of this world,” has blinded people’s hearts so that they cannot believe.
I have heard reports of one of the local public libraries promoting witchcraft books. I had not been to a public library for quite some time, so my wife and I decided to go visit three of the local public libraries, both to see if reports like this are true, and to glean some ideas for our library.
We were both astonished and appalled by what we saw.
We saw shelf after shelf full of Mystery, Fantasy, Romance, Novels, Thrillers, Horror, Adventure, Fairy Tales, Westerns, and Fiction.
And yes, the reports about books containing witchcraft were certainly true.
What was astonishingly lacking at all three public libraries was the Christian book sections. They were so small that it was hard to find the Christian sections in the hodgepodge of other junk that was available.
Some years ago, I was concerned about promoting good Christian books in the public library system. I ordered an entire Super Pack of books from Christian Aid Ministries containing about 100 of their books. I paid for these books out of my own pocket and donated them to the local public library. Later I went back to see if they had added them… Maybe they sent them off to another library, maybe they sold them, or maybe they simply discarded them. At any rate, I never saw those books on the shelves!
Learning from History
Back in the 1960s, nine Amish fathers were sentenced to jail for their children’s non-attendance at the new Twin Valley High School
They refused to pay the penalty of fines and costs for not sending their children to the “worldly and distracting” consolidated Twin Valley High School. The two-hour hearing leading up to their sentencing was tense.
Thankfully, these men only had to spend two nights at the Chester County Prison Farm. But it was a terrifying time for the family members of the nine men. They still recall the uncertainty and anxiety that their families had over the situation. While they were imprisoned, they spent their time in prayer and reading from the Bibles they had brought with them.
It is always right to stand up for truth from God’s Word, even if it means going against the current trend or against the laws of the land. Acts 5:29 says, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” I am so thankful for the stand that these Amish fathers took to keep their children safe from worldly influences. I am also thankful to live in a country where freedom of religion is granted, and that the government granted those Amish men their request. Today, we are blessed with the privilege of sending our children to private Christian Parochial schools.
I’m not writing all this to say that you should never go to a public library, but I would argue that perhaps a good reason to avoid the public library system would be the same reason that these Amish fathers avoided the public school system. I certainly do advise using a lot of caution when taking your children to the public library! Be aware of what they are reading and of what is influencing you and them! Use God’s Word as your guide. Is what you are reading and digesting bringing honor and glory to God?
Also, be warned that although we at Stoltzfus Christian Library have a stringent book review process, it is possible that sometimes books can slip through that should not be in the library. We sort through thousands of books. Over the years, we have occasionally received notes of concern from patrons about certain books. We always appreciate this, as it helps to “keep us on our toes” and we can then address those concerns.
Of course, we also have age-appropriate reading. As always, we strive to have good Christian books and educational resources which fall into one of three categories: For Adult Only, For Teenager or Adult Only, and books that are ok for any age level.
Election Year?
Should I go to the polls, or should I refrain? It seems like there is more and more pressure to go and cast my vote.
Plain News reported the following:
2024 is an election year and as usual, the pressure is on for Christians to go to the polls and vote. Historically, Anabaptists and similar groups have concluded from the New Testament that Christians should not be involved in civil politics.
Recently an Amish minister was talking with one of our subscribers and he wept as he explained how Plain people are under great pressure to vote and many are giving in. The minister’s observation was that many Plain people don’t have good reasons for why Christians shouldn’t participate in civil politics. He wanted resources that explain from the scriptures why Christians should not become involved in the political kingdoms of this world.
Plain News is publishing about a dozen articles that support the historic position of Christians not being involved in civil government. If you receive Breaking News but do not receive their articles, you can request these articles by sending an email to news@plainnews.org or a fax to 814-470-8885.
Free Book Offer
Recently, I was reading the book Sidetracked by Gary Miller. It is a really good read on the history of various political elections, what Evangelical Christianity has taught, and why many Anabaptist people have started to vote.
We are offering a free copy of Sidetracked with a donation of any amount sent to Stoltzfus Christian Library. Please see the return card on the book offer pamphlet.
At your request, we can also send you a print copy of the various other resources that Plain News has made available on why Christians should not vote.
The Library
Thank you to each one of you who has contributed to the library over the years! We trust that God knows who you are and will bless you for it! All we can say is thank you from the bottom of our hearts! It is greatly appreciated!
We are a non-profit library and depend heavily on your continued support. Without your prayers, support, and donations we would not continue to exist! Whether you have contributed $1 or $1,000, we can say it has made a huge difference!
We operate on a tight budget. Often, we have been left wondering if our funding will cover all the financial needs and demands of the library. God has been faithful, and I know that if He wants us to continue that He will provide for the needs. We will continue to expand and add new books and programs as the Lord provides and as funding is available.
Open House Invitation & Book Auction
Mark your calendars! Our 9th Open House is just around the corner! Your whole family is invited to attend the annual Library Open House, located at Stoltzfus Christian Library, on Saturday, July 20, 2024.
This year’s program will include Singing, Spiritual Encouragement, Vision for the Library, Introducing the New Bookmobile, Children’s Story Hour, Book Displays, Book Auction, & Plenty of Food for all!! It will start at 9:00 a.m. and go until 2:00 p.m. We look forward to seeing you on the Open House Day!!
Program Updates and Changes
IT IS NO LONGER NECESSARY TO RENEW YOUR BOOKS!
For your convenience, we are eliminating the book renewing process. We now offer one of the most generous library check-out periods! Six weeks flat rate, with no need to renew your books. We will limit patrons to a maximum of 20 books per family or individual.
Some years ago, after starting the library, we allowed a 6-week maximum check-out period with renewing your books every 2 weeks, then we changed it to 6 weeks maximum with renewing your books at 3 weeks. Now, there is no need to renew your books at all! They are due to be returned on the due date, 6 weeks from being checked out! We found that most people opted to renew their books for a 6 week period, so we just decided to respond to this need and eliminate the book renewing process.
New Telegram/CloudVeil Feed
Would you like to stay current on what is happening at the library, including newsletter updates (current and old), newly added books, and bookmobile routes, etc.? We now have a Telegram or CloudVeil feed! If you are a Telegram or CloudVeil user and would like to receive relevant information on the library, you can subscribe to it by going to: https://t.me/+WVThHRLPpcdkZjhh or by scanning the QR Code with your camera:
Credit Card donations
To simplify your giving, we now accept credit cards. We accept credit cards as a one-time donation or as a reoccurring monthly gift option. See the reply card.
New Bookmobile!
Excitement is mounting as we work on and prepare the new bookmobile! Almost ever since starting the library, we have hoped to do something like this. It used to look like a far-off possibility. By God’s grace, and your continued support, it looks like it will become a reality this summer!
The annual Library Open House is planned for Saturday, July 20th, 2024. We are hoping to have the Bookmobile running, stocked with books, and on display at the Library Open House this year!
Do you have a business, or a great location for a local bookmobile stop? We have enclosed a Patron Survey Form on the back of the response sheet that you can return to us. We will then contact you to talk about the potential opportunities.
After Bookmobile route locations are chosen, we will send out a schedule of times and locations to the library patrons. The Bookmobile will basically operate like a branch library on wheels! The checkout system will sync with the main system in the library and will offer the same service you have come to expect at the library.
We are currently in need of funds to finish off the Bookmobile. We have nearly enough funds to cover the remodeling costs of the bookmobile, but we estimate that this summer we will still need about $10,000 to purchase books, finish off the bookmobile, plus keep all our other programs running.
If you would like to help with these financial needs, please see the New Bookmobile Program on the contribution reply sheet.
Introduction:
Who We Are
Stoltzfus Christian Library was founded in 2015 with a vision to promote literacy and to reach the local community with the love of Jesus through Christian books and educational resources.
We currently operate with a 6-member Board of Directors, 3 of which are from a Conservative Mennonite Church, with the remaining 3 from the Amish Church. Two of our board members also serve on the Book Review Committee.
Board of Directors
Sam Stoltzfus John Stoltzfus Arlen Stoltzfus
(Chairman, Gap, PA) (Treasurer, Parkesburg, PA) (Board Member and Advisor, Morgantown, PA)
West Haven Amish Mennonite Church (Book Review Committee) West Haven Amish Mennonite Church
West Haven Amish Mennonite Church
Manny Zook Ervin Beiler Stephen Stoltzfus
(Secretary, Gap, PA) (Board Member and Advisor, Gap, PA) (Board Member and Advisor, Gap, PA)
(Book Review Committee) Amish Church Amish Church
Amish Church
Book Review Committee
We currently operate with a 13-member Book Review Committee to help maintain accountability and high standards in what we offer.
Alvin & Esther Stoltzfus Dave & Linda King Lillian King
(Parkesburg, PA) (Parkesburg, PA) (Parkesburg, PA)
West Haven Amish Mennonite Church West Haven Amish Mennonite Church West Haven Amish Mennonite Church
Johnathan & Melissa King Elam & Anna King
(Honey Brook, PA) (Gap, PA)
West Haven Amish Mennonite Church Amish Church
Our Mission
- It is our desire to provide good quality and Biblically sound information and literature.
- That God would use the information that we provide to His honor and glory.
- That many souls would come to salvation through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Our Vision
- To promote literacy.
- To reach the local community with the love of Jesus through Christian books and educational resources.
Our Programs (What We Do)
- Lending Program
The Lending Program is our regular day-to-day library mission. We allow people to check out books/materials for a period of six weeks.
- Bookmobile
The Bookmobile Program is an expansion of the library itself. It will be a part of the regular lending program but will grant a much farther reach. We will develop a schedule of regular stops in local communities.
- School Book Subscription Program
In this program, we fill up plastic totes with 40 books and deliver them to local Amish schools. We currently have 12 schools on this program. Each month, we rotate the totes among the schools in the program. This provides eager students with fresh books and content to anticipate each month!
- Christian Literature Program
The Christian Literature Program seeks to equip the local community with Christian literature and counseling resources to effectively reach people with the Good News of Salvation through Jesus Christ.
- Christian Literature Translation for Foreign Countries Program
In this program, we seek out Christian translation projects for foreign countries where they don’t have many Bibles, Christian books, or Christian literature available in their language.
Partner With Us:
We Need Your Help in the following ways!
Prayer. “…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16).
Donations. A Christian library like ours does not receive public tax dollars like a regular public library does. Your donation of any amount goes a long way in helping us reach the public with Christian books and literature.
- Monthly Dedicated Giving. Do you have the resources and ability to donate on an ongoing basis? Our monthly sponsors help us to plan ahead and aid in covering ongoing costs associated with operating a Christian library open to the public.
Volunteering. Do you, your family, friends, or youth group, have a little extra time on hand? Would you like to help promote literacy in our community? Consider volunteering at Stoltzfus Christian Library! We currently have the following positions open:
- Book Preparation. We are actively adding new books to the library throughout the year. Work in your own time by helping us with book preparation. All our soft cover books need to be wrapped with clear coat book wrap before being added to the library. The benefits of helping with this include having a sneak preview of the new books being added to the library. Book preparation and repair can be done from the comfort of your own home or by coming to the library. If you prefer to do this from your home, we can schedule a delivery and pickup of a box of books and book wrap.
- Librarian. Do you have an extra hour or more per week to spend at the library? You can help us by checking in books, repairing books, returning books to the shelves, and even adding new books to the library.
- Book Review Committee. Are you a born-again believer? Do you have a passion for Christian books and literature? Consider joining our Book Review Committee! The Book Review Committee helps screen books and content coming into the library to ensure the content is appropriate and holds a high standard for our Christian community.
- Cleaning. Yes, the library needs consistent cleaning. We could also use help with more of a deep cleaning of the library (and bookmobile-to-be☺) every quarter year or so.
- Schedule a Group. We are now accepting groups to help with book preparation, book repairs, and cleaning. Call ahead to schedule a group. We will let you know what dates and times we have available.
Spreading the word. Do you appreciate Stoltzfus Christian Library? Tell others about it! We always enjoy seeing families who like to read and who put our books to good use!
Once again, we want to thank you for your support! It is greatly appreciated! Whether it was volunteering your time to help in the library, wrapping soft-cover books, borrowing books, donating books, giving donations, or praying for us, we thank you very much! May God bless you richly! Without your support, we could not continue to operate a Christian library for the local community.
May God bless you as you continue serving Him!
Sincerely,
Samuel Stoltzfus, Administrator
P. S. We are again enclosing a contribution reply sheet and envelope for those of you who want to help keep the library in operation. Please check the appropriate box to let us know how you want your donation to be used.
If you would like to make an anonymous donation, you can do so through Anabaptist Foundation (800) 653-9817.
Stoltzfus Christian Library is an official 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization and is funded by your donatio