SMCC Library is designated as a Specialty Library, because of its location and its main emphasis on books, other publications and tapes on theology, the Reformed Church, and related subjects, such as organized Bible study.

Book Selections

A large selection of various translations of the Bible, the Old and New Testaments separately, concordances, Bible dictionaries and encyclopedias are available for study and research. There is even a copy of the Huntington Library's recent edition of the Tyndale Bible. Audio tapes of the entire Bible are also available, plus volumes with large print. There are several Study Bibles and Atlases of the Holy Land, plus books on how life was lived in Bible times.

In addition to the church-related collection, there is a large selection of books on psychology, self-help, motivation, and parenting. A small group of stories about pioneer women will reward the diligent searcher, also a few manuscripts that are biographies of local retired ministers and missionaries. There is a group of books on historic church arts, including stained glass, plus brochures on the extensive use of stained glass in the SMCC sanctuary. There is a small but growing number of works on Music Appreciation, and several old hymnbooks.

The history section contains, among others, volumes by the Durants and Daniel Boorstin, the former Librarian of Congress. There is a small travel section, and one wall of biography, from the Apostle Paul to Colin Powell.

An easy to find shelf in the front lobby contains several books on grief and recovery, many of which are used in the Stephen Ministry. Other books on the subject of the end of life may be found in the card catalog.

One whole wall in the center room is the Children's Section, containing books divided by general age group, identified by colored dots. Many of these books are Bible stories and church-related. The red dot books are the picture books, or read-alouds, and are on the bottom shelf for small readers to reach while sitting on the floor. In the same area, (up higher) are the T.A. books -- teaching assistance, which are used by Church School teachers and parents. There are many holiday/crafts ideas, etc. in this group.

The wall facing the front door contains fiction. The rolling carts, which are managed by volunteers on Sundays in the courtyard, contain the newest purchases of both fiction and non-fiction. Since the Presbyterian Church has always supported continuing education, many of the non-fiction works aim in that direction. Four volunteers take turns at the carts, with a fifth available for the fifth Sunday, or in case another is unable to take the designated day. Five volunteers work on Wednesdays, processing books and various other items to keep the Library up to date and ready to serve.

Magazines available are Christian History. Back issues of Christian History, Presbyterians Today are useful for researchers. For children, there is a subscription of "Zoobooks".

There are a few videos available, and a full collection of taped sermons from the last several years.

Library Contributions

Various individuals and groups in the SMCC Church make contributions of funds to the Library, often to honor or as memorials to individuals. Appropriate bookplates are available for these purposes. Some members of the congregation, when changing their place of residence, offer the Library first look at their own libraries, and many of our finest books have come from this source. We ask that potential book donors give the staff a list of books and authors, first, so that we may check against the volumes we already have in our collection.

As the inspiration strikes the librarian, information on places to go and things to see in Southern California for local residents and/or their visitors are at the library desk. SMCC weekly bulletin contains "From the Church Library", a column regarding new book acquisitions, and other comments on activities of the Church, plus items on our Church history.

The Library Staff takes part in quarterly meetings with a Presbytery Library group, exchanging information and ideas with similar volunteers from several other churches in the Presbytery.

The Library is available for small group meetings within the congregation.