On the topic of libraries...

Thank you, Joyce, for prompting me to write more about libraries in Lae. While it is true that Lae has no public library right now, our church started up a small library about a year ago. It’s located on the ground level of the pastor’s house on the church property.

There are books of all kinds, for all ages, even for beginners like little Jelika!


Most are in English, but there's also some in pidgin. There are bible commentaries and study guides, as well as children’s books and books on health and general interest, etc. We have had to work out a few glitches—like how to ensure those books come back (!)—but it has still already been a blessing. Every week after Sunday School the children have some time to look at the books. This is special for them because most do not have books in their homes. I’ve noticed a number of the young people taking out books too, such as the Narnia series and some of the “Mandie” books that we have. Our co-worker, Natalie VanderHeide, is also teaching a women’s literacy course, which is held in the library (where else?!) and they’ve also made use of the books there.

Some of the women working to get the books ready, before the library opened.



The good news is that there is still room on the shelves for more books. So, Joyce, we would love some of your books!
And for anyone else out there who would like to donate books, send us an email at inwildeboer@yahoo.com. Thank you!