Julie Guest
I am an avid reader. When we moved to Te Awamutu, I was delighted to discover that for a small town, it has a great library.
Te Awamutu Library Source: Waipā District Council
Since we have been here, the services provided by our library have moved and grown with technology and demand.
There is now no cost to borrow a book, and no fine when it is returned late. What foresight the council has shown in encouraging readers in such a way. With no cost to borrowing, there is no decision as to whether rent should be paid or a child’s book borrowed.
The coming generation of readers can continue to read without restriction even when a parent loses a job or when income is threatened.
Who knows how much comfort and imaginative freedom that free book might provide to people in such a situation?
We could answer that with access to the internet, knowledge and escape are well catered for in ether-land.
Not in the same way as with a book, I would argue and could back that up with research showing that the difference in emitted light levels between a book and screen, and the way information is delivered to our brains, a book is more conducive to retention of information and to rest following reading. Is better all-around in my humble opinion.
But a library is much more than a place to read or find books.
Have you been into Te Awamutu library recently and popped a piece into the puzzle laid out on a table for collective building?
Have you browsed a newspaper or magazine?
Have you been to one of the story times, or seen youngsters building on a Lego Club afternoon?
Our library provides many free activities for children and families.
It is also a warm and welcoming space for people who need somewhere to be where they can meet or at least see others.
The staff are abundantly helpful and friendly.
What is my point? I’m writing as a church leader.
Reverend Julie Guest at St Paul’s Church on Rangiaowhia Rd
A church seeks to offer the same kind of care and welcome that our library does but with a major difference.
The library is a place you can pop in to when there is something you need – a new book to borrow, new research to do, or a club for your child.
A church is a group of people who want to welcome you to join them on a journey of spiritual discovery.
It is a journey that could change your life’s direction as you meet with the One who loves you so completely that he gave his life for you.
Just as you can enter a library to explore what you find there and leave when you’ve found it, so you can with a church. There’s nothing to be feared, and much to be gained from joining such a community.
Just as in a library, everything is free. Jesus gave his life for us, so as Christians we give what we have to invite others into His story.
St John’s Anglican Church
