Did you know First Free has a library? In fact, it has recently moved … but only a few feet.

The library recently reopened after being closed for a year because of the pandemic. It now shares the Prayer Room space, near the north entrance. The former library space next door is being converted to a production studio for our livestreamed worship services.

The move means the library needed to downsize by about 40 percent, from 3,500 titles to just under 2,000, says Librarian Rosemary Gianesen.

“That’s not all bad,” she says. “There were books that have been there for 20-some years and they have not been used. So we did some weeding out.”

Of the books removed, some went to church staff, with the remaining ones earmarked for Rockford Rescue Mission and Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center.

Anyone can check out books. You just need to provide your name and phone number. The library is open between Sunday worship services, between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. The room remains open for prayer any other time the church building is open.

The library also has a few videos and audio books, but they aren’t displayed yet. If you’re interested, just ask Rosemary. Also, no late fees will be charged for materials checked out before the pandemic closure.

The production room in the library’s former space became necessary to improve the sound quality of our livestream services. Audio settings that sound good in the Sanctuary don’t necessarily sound good to an online audience. A separate production room, away from the Sanctuary, will allow our Tech team to make the necessary adjustments.