Braren Library

Located in the southeast corner of the Family Life Center, the library was initiated in 1951 by Elizabeth and Herbert Braren.  Since its inception, the library has grown to house more than 5,000 volumes and is staffed on Sundays from 9:15 to 10:45 a.m.  During the week, the library is open for self-service to First Church family and friends.

History

 

In 1984, Herbert and Elizabeth Braren were honored by naming our library, The Braren Library, by resolution of the Charge Conference.  In 1992, Mrs. Braren was in her third decade as Head Librarian.

Braren Library Committee

Mrs. Braren met monthly with the Braren Library Committee, which consisted of eight to ten ladies.  They discussed new books to purchase for the library and made plans for upcoming events.

Mrs. Braren Retires

 

Mrs. Elizabeth Braren resigned as Head Librarian in October, 2000.  During her dedicated forty years as Head Librarian, the library grew to over 5,000 books and gained the reputation of being one of the finest church libraries in Florida.

New Librarian, Betty Stahler

 

When Mrs. Braren announced her retirement in 2000, she recommended Betty Stahler to replace her as Head Librarian.  Betty had been helping in the library on Sundays since 1988 and became an active member of the Library Committee in 1997.

Braren Library Open House

 

This annual event brings lots of people to the library.  The Braren Library Committee selects a special theme, decorates the library and displays special books.  Refreshments are served.

Braren Library Used Book Sale

 

With the approval of United Methodist Women, in 1998, Braren Library began having used books for sale at the March Antique Show.  All the books for the sale were donated by church members.  The proceeds from the book sale were used to purchase new books for the library.

Braren Library Email Book Club

 

In 2004, church member Suzanne Beecher presented a proposal to the Braren Library Committee to start an Email Book Club for church members and friends.  Readers get a five minute read from a Christian book in their Email.  After approval by Rev. McWhinnie, The Braren Email Book Club was started in May, 2004.  Braren Library has a large collection of the Email books which are popular with our readers.  In 2005, Interpreter Magazine featured an article about our Online Book Club.

Old Books to Charity

 

Many of the books in the library have been donated by church members.  Books are also added with purchases by the Braren Library Committee, and books are donated in honor or memory of special individuals.  Because of the limited shelf space in the library, old books are occasionally removed to make room for new books.  The old books are given to charities.  Charities recieving the old books include Friends of Sellby Library, Prison Ministry, Pines of Sarasota, North Sarasota Library, and Goodwill.