"Where tradition comes to life!"

Library Ministry

General Information
The libraries at First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant include books, journals, and videos that you can use as resources for Christian education and recreational enrichment. We have two libraries, situated in the main hallway between the Seventh Street entrance and the sanctuary. The Brittain Library focuses on teenage and adult resources. The Children’s library includes picture books through books for elementary school students. We fund the libraries through a substantial endowment created by J. F. and Nina Brittain in 1957, as well as through the generous financial gifts of our members with designation as memorial and honorary recognition. The librarian selects resources with the help of the library committee. In making selections, she follows selection guidelines that the Ministry of Discipleship
and session evaluates and approves annually.

Library Hours/ Loaning practice
Volunteers staff both libraries on Sunday mornings between first and second service. During all the times we staff the church offices, we also have the libraries open. You may borrow material for three weeks by signing the card attached to the book or video and leaving the card on the library desk. You may place returned materials in the librarian’s mailbox or leave the materials on the library desk. If you have not yet become a member of First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, you should sign your name, as well as write your
phone number and address on the card.

Suggestions or Questions
You may direct ideas for books to purchase or any other questions
to the librarian, Jean Tauber, on Sundays. You may also contact
the librarian by leaving a message at the church office by calling (814) 456-4243.

The Brittain Library
The Brittain Library serves as a vital research, educational, and spiritual resource for the staff, church officers, congregation, and visitors of First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant. Its resources exist primarily as a tool for the learning of Christian philosophies and practices, as well as to provide guidance in the development and maintenance of a Christian life-style. A significant component of the library collection includes current best-sellers, biographies, books, and videos that examine history, the arts, and current events. These resources serve to develop users intellectually and culturally, so they may function as well-rounded members of the Erie community. They also provide a vehicle to appreciate the talent experienced in the arts. You may find materials through the card catalog. The librarian has organized the collection using the standard Dewey decimal system. Specific collection strengths include Christian history and theology, family relationships—including marriage, parenting and caring for
aging parents—and devotional literature.
 

The Children’s Library
The Children’s Library offers a child-friendly area that features a beautiful mural by local Erie muralist Debbie Barko, as well as toddler-sized chairs and artwork. Books and videos include simple picture and story books, as well as collections of Bible stories and popular Christian books. You may borrow the videos, or view them in the Children’s Library. To find something specific in the Children’s Library, please refer to the main card catalog in the Brittain Library. This card catalog includes all of the Children’s Library resources. Catalog cards for materials in the Children’s Library have the designation “Pri” on the card.

Book Store
The library uses its discounts with various book distributors to make materials available for personal purchase by members and visitors. We purchase select materials in quantity, generally for classes. You may purchase these materials through the
church receptionist at the Seventh Street entrance.