St. Helen's Parish Library
Our library has been serving the community of St. Helen’s for 27 years. In l984, a dedicated group of volunteers organized a small room in the parish center as a parish library. The shelves were initially stocked with donations from the private collections of parishioners and staff. Under the guidance of Brother Bill Lavigne, early volunteers were Dorothy Miller, Peg Dervin and Kathy Keating. In the early 90’s Ann Marie Swartz and Mary Orlando took up the effort and continued to work to provide individual parishioners and parish organizations with a variety of media materials. An annual book fair was a big success and in the mid 90’s the library was moved to a location near the parish gym. Sister Joanna Kerwin provided invaluable help.
Pat Clarke was a frequent volunteer and Pam Perryman and Pat Pastore provided creative art work for the library bulletin board. In 2009, Mary Ann Boyno began the conversion to an automated computer-based system as we awaited the transition to the new library in Burke Hall. June Loughery volunteered to help in the transfer. In 2010, we moved into a beautiful, well lighted media center, with a spacious childrens’ section. The new library flourishes and provides space for small groups such as book discussions and faith sharing.
The parish library is open whenever Burke Hall is open. Stop in and browse and borrow. The library is a cozy oasis away from the hustle and bustle of every day life and is very user friendly. When you select a book or DVD, just write the date, your name and phone number on the pocket card and leave it in the blue box on the desk. The computer and adjacent instructions will help you find a particular item or you have the option of checking the card catalog subject section.
The volunteer staff also maintains the Book Rack in the church vestibule so parishioners may purchase current magazines and books.
The latest Catholic magazines are available for reading. Our Children's Section is adding new books every week.
The library contains over 1,500 books including books on spirituality, world religions, fiction, biographies, and church art and history.
We have added some great DVDs to our collection including “The Story of Jacob and Joseph”, “Beautiful Dreamer”, “Romero” and “Saint of 9/11 , The True Story of Father Mychal Judge”. New books include “When You Love a Functioning Alcoholic” by Kraft, “Acedia and Me” by Norris, “A Child in Winter” by Hoffman and “A Child’s Guide to the Beatitudes” by O’Keefe. We are bringing out all our children’s Christmas books – and we invite you to borrow some for the holidays.
You can find the latest editions of “Catechist”, “St. Anthony Messenger”, “America”, “U. S. Catholic” and “Catholic Digest”.
Kindly do not leave any used book donations in the library or reception hall. If you wish to donate books in good condition, please submit a list of titles and authors, attention Ann Marie, and we will contact you if they are not duplicates to our collection.
