The Family Vision Library
By Jim Day
Have
you been to your public library lately?
Have you walked out disappointed or even embarrassed and shocked at the
materials available for your family? I’m not surprised!
There is a library however that is Christ honoring, Bible centered and has a conservative worldview. The Family Vision Library located at 516 S.
Fifth Street in St. Charles, MO is a non-profit lending library 
with
the purpose of making Christ-centered literature and audio/video materials
available to households in the St. Louis and Saint Charles County areas.
The
aim of the Family Vision Library is to help parents build morally pure
character in themselves and their children.
The time in which we live is challenging to our families and there needs
to be a place where they can get books, DVDs and videos that don’t attack their
faith.
Family
Vision was founded in 1971 as the “Anti-Drug-Abuse Education Fund” by Julian
H. Miller II. The mission was to prevent
teen drug use and abuse through education. God showed that alcohol and drug
abuse are only symptoms of the breakdown in the foundation of the family.
Without Jesus Christ as the center of life the breakup and moral decline of
the family is inevitable.
Jose
Saldana, President of Family Vision states, “We desire to see families healed
and restored but realize that we live in a sinful world and sometimes that is
not possible. However, we believe all things are possible with the Lord and we have a
variety of resources to help, regardless of the condition of the family.”
John
Thrower, Vice-President of Family Vision says, “This library and ministry is a
rare jewel in a dark world. It is a place of refreshment and restoration.”
The
library contains materials related to apologetics, biblical living, courtship,
creationism, finances, health, marriage, parenting, purity, science and much more.
It’s also a comfortable place to
fellowship as well as to read and study with leather couches and even small
leather chairs for the children. The library also offers computers with
internet access equipped with Bsafe Online filtering
software.
Family
Vision operates in the same manner as a public library with a two week lending
period for books and a one week lending period for audio/visual materials.
Library cards are issued and material transactions are recorded in the
library’s main computer. The Library also has a consignment section that began last
April where you can buy and sell textbooks and other resources for the home
school community.
Upcoming
programs for 2007 include the Summer Reading Days Program which will encourage reading
throughout the summer with prizes awarded progressively. This program will be
open to all ages not just young readers. Summer
Reading Days will begin June 4th and run through August 10th. Now is the time to visit the library or call
to sign-up for the reading program.
Family
Vision also shows Christian films periodically. All the movies they show are
rated “F” – for “FAMILY!” Call them for the next film title and date. There is
no admission charge and popcorn and snacks will be available.
A
conference room is also available for those who need a place to meet. It’s great for a small group and can even
accommodate more than 100 people.
Conveniently
located at 516 South Fifth Street in St. Charles, MO, the library’s open Monday
through Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. They are
however closed on Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, signing up for
their Summer Reading Days, or finding out about the next Christian film
showing, call the library at (636)-669-0111.
I
highly recommend this God honoring, family friendly library so take a moment
and pay them a visit. You won’t be disappointed.
