THIRTY YEARS OF FAITH AND FELLOWSHIP

The journey of the SOTV library.

In April 2026, the Shepherd of the Valley (SOTV) library will be closing. The decision to close the ministry was reached through prayerful consideration of the modern landscape. While the value of reading remains, the rise of digital media has changed how our congregation engages with physical books, leading the church to look toward a new stewardship of its resources. While the library is closing, we wanted to celebrate the 31-year history of its roots at SOTV, as well as outline next steps for the books and the space. 

A MINISTRY REBORN 

When the doors of the SOTV library opened in 1994, they revealed more than just a collection of books; they signaled the revival of a shuttered ministry. While a library existed in the church’s earliest days, by the mid-90s, its contents had been boxed up and stored away as our young congregation navigated its significant growth. The modern library was born when those original boxes were reopened — the “nucleus” for a new era of literary ministry.

ON THE MOVE

The library’s physical journey within the church walls mirrors the expansion of SOTV itself. Over three decades, the collection inhabited various corners of the building, adapting to the evolving needs of the congregation:

• 1994 | The Coat Room (current Print Center): The library’s first home was a simple coat room near the Great Hall. It was transformed into a functional space  for readers through the installation of custom shelving and a door for privacy.

• Early 2000s | The Lounge and Library (current Food Shelf): As the church grew, the library moved into a lounge space. This era was defined by a dual purpose: providing a quiet place for reflection while housing an expanding catalog of titles.

• Circa 2014 | The Shared Space: In a testament to the church’s mission, the library eventually shared its footprint with the Apple Valley Food Shelf. The space was divided, allowing spiritual and physical nourishment to coexist side-by-side.

MORE THAN JUST SHELVES

Beyond cataloging and shelving, the library served as a social and missional cornerstone for the church. It was funded largely through the community’s  spirit — most  notably during the annual Holiday Boutique Bake  Sales. These events were highlights of the church calendar for volunteers and participants. During these events, donated treats were sold to fund new acquisitions, turning a love of reading into a community celebration.

The mission of the library collection was simple but profound. The committee curated materials designed to broaden perspectives on justice, racism, and the environment, and more, while ensuring families had access to wholesome alternatives to secular media. From popular fiction like the works of Karen Kingsbury to guiding spiritual texts like “Women’s Lives,” “Women’s Legacies,” the shelves held “hidden gems” that offered guidance to multiple generations.

THE FUTURE OF THE SPACE AND MATERIALS

The transition is being handled with a focus on honoring the library’s thirty-year legacy while serving the future needs of the community:

• From Stories to Sustenance: As the demand for community support grows, the area once used for spiritual nourishment could provide  physical nourishment for our neighbors. The library’s current square footage could add much needed space to the already space-strained ministry of the Apple Valley Food Shelf.

• A New Life for the  Collection: The curated collection will not simply disappear. Pastors, staff, and members alike will have the opportunity to adopt books for their personal collections.

• A Legacy for Children: A specific, heartwarming plan is in place for  the children’s section. The team intends to keep the beautifully illustrated Bible stories available within the church for children to read during services, ensuring the next generation maintains a tangible connection to faith stories. 

THE LASTING IMPACT  

The library committee — a women-led group that began every meeting by sharing personal stories and building a deep sisterhood — will see its members transition into other vital ministries. These include the Heritage Committee, the Apple Valley Food Shelf, the Quilters, and various social circles like the Purposeful Retirement Traveling Shepherds and Legacy Writing Groups.

As this chapter closes, the library’s legacy remains visible in the lives of the readers it influenced. For over 30 years, it served as a quiet harbor for seekers and a playground for young imaginations.  

To the donors and readers who supported the ministry since 1994: the church community has been forever enriched by your generosity and your love for the written word. 

“Books and reading are immensely important in broadening perspective, learning, faith development and entertainment.” - Ardell Bengtson

CURRENT LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS