Duplicates Program

Recognizing the importance that a parish library plays in the spiritual life of a parish community, the diocesan library assists parishes in establishing their own libraries.  This is made possible by offering to parishes desiring to establish a library, or to enrich an already existing one, duplicate copies of materials from the Diocesan Library.

Interested parishes may contact the Diocesan Librarian to request a list of duplicate items from which to choose materials.  Up to twenty items may be chosen from the list.  Items are provided free of charge but parishes must agree to pay the nominal shipping and handing fee for the materials.  Materials are shipped via media mail.  Materials may be requested by a parish twice a year so long as supplies are available.

To qualify for the program:

1.  Parishes must appoint someone in good standing in the parish who will agree to organize, oversee, and maintain the collection.  A system for checking out and returning materials needs to be established.  The appointee need not be a librarian or someone with library experience or knowledge.  If assistance is needed, this web site contains a handy "Tool Kit" via the Creating a Parish Library page of important procedural information that will answer most questions.  The Diocesan Library staff is also available to answer questions.

2.  Parishes must belong to a canonical Orthodox jurisdiction.

The Diocesan Library gladly accepts monetary gifts and donations and books in trade in order to expand and increase the distribution to as many parishes as possible.

It is our hope that by providing "seed" materials for libraries that an interest in expanding the resources of the library will develop and the collection will grow with the efforts of the local community.