Our Father's Library

Celebrating 20 years!

The History

 
It started "stable" small.....

It bothered Bernadette Hays that so many people were unable to afford Christian books and tapes--people out of work and needing spiritual support, small churches unable to support a library of their own.  Using her own personal collection, along with donated books and tapes from friends, she opened Our Father's Library on April 18, 1983 at 65 E. Second St., Peru, Indiana.  It was a tiny room, off the "beaten track," in the back of an office building, but she remarked, "I remembered that Jesus was born in a stable and not in the limelight.  Somehow people found their way to us."  Volunteers began to assist Bernadette in manning the desk, cataloging materials and general office duties.

It multiplied, like the loaves and fishes....

On April 1, 1986 the library moved to the west side of a building at 21 W. Third St., expanding not only its floor space but its visibility as well.  In 1992 the east side became available, giving the library 3000 sq. ft. of space and enabling the library to offer rooms for renting Christian videos.  From 1986 to 1994, the library saw its volunteer-base increase, allowing for longer hours and by 1994, even half day on Saturdays.  A newsletter was now also being regularly mailed to patrons.  Volunteers were active in all areas:  desk, window decorating, carpentry, maintenance, cleaning, trustees,  "The story of the library is a testament to God's faithfulness," Bernadette asserted.  "He kept on giving us little confirmations along the was to let us know that we were doing His will."

It has become salt and light....

The year 1995 was a year of major transition for Our Father's Library.  Trusting that God would sustain the ministry she had founded and loved so well, Bernadette decided to change her role from director to trustee.  With her recommendation, the board selected Debra Anewalt and Jan Beebe to succeed her as co-directors.  The following month, OFL made its third move--to its present location, 36 W. Second St.  The library now has 3800 sq. ft. of space and is able to offer over 15,000 books, 4,000 audiocassette tapes, 600 video tapes and a broad assortment of Christian periodicals and magazines.  

But the ministry of Our Father's Library isn't about numbers and size.  It's about being able to offer reference materials to pastors and teachers; Christian-based curriculum to homeschoolers; family and marriage books to couples;  exciting videos and books to children and young readers.  And it's about faithful supporters and patrons like you, who confirm the library's mission and enable it to offer wholesome, moral alternatives to what is available in secular libraries, bookstores, and on television.  It's about our volunteers, who put hands and feet to the gospel.  And most importantly, it's about out mighty Lord and Savior, our Jehovah-Jireh, Who has walked with us every step of the way.

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