A Library Update

As previously reported, we are working on giving our Library a bit of a clean up. A team has been put together and have developed a vision statement for the Library: "Our Library seeks to provide a warm and inviting sanctuary that honors the roots of our faith, resources the work of our present ministries, and seeds the ideas that will shape our future."

To achieve this, you will see some changes in the next few weeks. We will be keeping a table for teams and groups to meet. We are looking to include more “Soft Seating” so that the Library is also a place to enjoy the resources on its stacks. We are also looking to update the lighting in the library

With the amazing Morris County Library just a stones throw from our doors to get every volume one needs, we have sought to see what makes our library unique to us. As such, we are working on curation of our books. We are hoping to highlight current programs by giving our current book clubs shelves to share their selections and highlight previous UU Common Reads and Fellowship Authors. We are continuing to honor our history with our Partner Church Shelves. The books that are on the shelves will align with our UU values to highlight world religions, UU theology and history, children’s books used in curriculum, relevant social just texts, among others. 

Another goal of ours is to let folks know “what” and “why” we have the books, artifacts, and art that is on display. We are working to increase our signage and to feature scannable codes with more information online. This is where we need your help. 

We would like descriptions of any of the items on the shelves. Some items hold deeply significant importance, while others are just nice looking items. I don’t know which is which. So if you happen to know the story behind a chalice or vase or other trinket, please go to this form and share the history. Items without a written history will be flagged as “replaceable” for future curation. 

To help with our curation, we are enacting a donation procedure. First, please DO NOT just leave books in the library. If you would like to donate a book, please contact the Library Team (library@muuf.org) with the books you would like to donate. We are asking everyone donating a book to share with us two things. What is the personal significance (Why is this book or item important to you?) and what is its value to the Fellowship (Why do you believe members of this Fellowship should engage with it?) If you would like to see the entire procedure, please click here. 

Lastly, we are working to digitize our collection. You will have opportunities to see our catalog online and to “check them out”. We hope to include these descriptions in that database. There will also be a tablet to set up a self check out feature in the future (We will share more about that once we finalize all of the features).

Please excuse our appearance for the next few weeks as we make some of these changes. And if you have any questions, please email Nick at nwallwork@muuf.org of the Library Team at library@muuf.org.