A familiar face around St. Mary’s is Tom Beckstrand, who served on the vestry as member and as Senior Warden, who built the beautiful vestment cabinet in the office area, who has helped with First Wednesday setup, and who is the husband of Kate and the dad of Emily and Annie. Now we find Tom in a new locale: our church library.

Tom brings his love of books to his new ministry. Having attended six elementary schools in four states when he was young, he became a life-long reader. Books were his constant friends. He reads all genres and even has been featured in a couple of books on backpacking. From Saul Bellow to the poetry of Jimmy Stewart, Tom is open to all that books can give. Ask him if he has a book with him, and he most likely will produce one from his coat or back pocket.

Tom realizes that the space in our library is limited. He envisions more shelf space for more books, videos, DVDs and musical CDs. He’ll be striving to add items of high quality that serve every aspect of the parish, from early readers to scholarly research. Some older and seldom read books may find their way to the bookcase in the parish hall, a place for any book you may wish to donate or take. (This bookcase especially needs Bibles for visitors who are seeking a copy.) He also hopes to make the computer’s book checkout program more user friendly. Please utilize our library, and speak to Tom about books, movies, or music you would like to see added to our collection. The library is funded by the General Fund, but also by a Reserve Fund with financial gifts from parishioners and friends. Your donations are always welcome.