Kenilworth Union Church Library
Dedicated in loving memory of William R. Hodgson II

For study, guidance, enrichment and nurture, check out the
library's wonderful collection of books for people of all ages.

Mission
To serve as a resource for our church community to encourage reading and study which educates, inspires, and enriches one's life.

Location & Hours
The library is located on the first floor, directly across from the main entrance reception area. You are welcome to use the library whenever the church is open; however, the room is sometimes used for meetings, as well as the annual Christmas Bazaar and Rummage Sale, at which times the collection is not accessible.

Library Use
The library operates on an easy check-out honor system. Please do not remove resources from the library without first checking them out! To take out a book, print your name, phone number and day's date on the check-out card found in the book or resource pocket. Place the check-out card in the small mesh container on the shelf ledge by the east wall of the library. Also on the ledge are instructions on circulation procedures and the container for returned books. Books should be returned in a timely manner (recommended time is 3 weeks for books and 1 week for videos), so that everyone can have benefit of these resources. Fines are not charged, but a reminder card will be sent to you.

Library Collection
The library has a broad collection of books, references, and audio-visual materials that support and reflect the mission of the church. Materials are purchased by Bonnie McColl and Susan Bishop, church librarian. We are in the process of updating the card catalog and printing copies of the collection to better serve you. The collection is arranged in alphabetical order by subject with headings clearly marked on the shelves. Subjects include:

    Children & Youth
  • Religious stories
  • General fiction
  • Biographies
  • Death/Grief/Loss
  • Prayer & Poetry
  • Christian Videos and DVDs
    Adult
  • Bible Commentaries & References
  • Christianity & Issues of Faith
  • Church History
  • Inspiration & Faith Journeys
  • Spiritual Development & Prayer
  • World Religions
  • Fiction
  • Biographies
  • Poetry & Music
  • Culture & Society
  • Marriage & Divorce
  • Parenting
  • Psychology
  • Men's and Women's Issues
  • Teen Issues
  • Wedding Planning References
  • Dependency/Recovery Resources
  • Depression
  • Death & Dying
  • Grief
  • Health & Aging Issues
  • Swedenbord Collection
  • Videos, CD's and DVDs, including recent presentations by Dr. Bowen

Didja Know?

  • ...that new books, seasonal books, and books cited in recent sermons/Bible studies are featured on the center shelf in the church library.
  • ...that over 40 books were added to our collection in 2005 on a wide range of topics.
  • ...that printed copies of recent sermons are available on the ledge by the east wall.
  • ...that there are close to 500 children's books for toddlers through teens.
  • ...that books on parenting and youth-related issues have been donated by the Alison Tobey Smart Memorial Fund and are displayed on the shelves outside the library doors.
  • ...that the Swedenborg collection of books was donated to the library in honor of the historical ties that our church has to Joseph Sears and the Swedenborgian religious philosophy of spiritual unity within the Christian community.
  • ...that Kenilworth Union has a great little library!

Library Stained Glass Windows
"The three memorial windows in the library, in keeping with the seals of universities over the door, emphasize education, especially education of the whole person - mind, body and spirit. The improvement of the mind is illustrated by various fields of study with a library in the center. Development of the body is illustrated by vignettes of sports figures engaged in different athletic endeavors. Growth in spirit is illustrated by worship with the altar at the top and the Holy Bible at the base. In between are depicted the first Christian martyr, Stephen, forgiving his murders, and symbols of the Acts of Christian Mercy from Matthew 25. These windows were installed when this section of the church was a youth center. The intention was to inspire the young people to grow in mind, body and spirit.

'Across the reception area is the window over the library, which celebrates some of the outstanding universities and colleges which were founded by different churches. Originally this window was installed in Dr. Hodgson's office and paid tribute to his conviction that religion carries a rich and essential intellectual element. The university window was dedicated to the pursuit of truth." -- [from I Thank My God Upon Every Remembrance: A Centennial History of Kenilworth Union Church, 1992, by Sally Campbell]