The Diocesan Library is a lending library. It is situated in the Old Palace in Deansway, opposite the reception desk. It may be used by any member of the diocese and is entirely free.

There are about 4000 books on all aspects of religion and theology at all levels. They range across philosophy, doctrine, books on the Bible and commentaries on all its books, Christian life and spirituality, worship, pastoralia, Christianity in the world, the arts, Church history, world religions and many other topics.

The library is manned by a team of volunteers. It is open when the Old Palace is open. If there is no helper present, books my still be taken out. There are full instructions on how to find books and how to register those borrowed.

If you would like to know more about faith, why not come and visit us. The library is also a quiet place in which to work and study.

We could do with some more volunteers to come and help as often as you would like – once a week, once a month or whatever is most convenient for you. If you would like to help or want more information, please email the Librarian, Peter Hall or call him on 01299 824048.

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New Road Methodist Church will have extensive building works during 2008.  There will be no parking at the Library from December 10 2007, and we expect to close for a month when the work affects our premises.  More details will be available nearer the time.

Opening hours

Monday - Friday 10.00 - 2.00

(The Library opening hours are reduced during August and around Christmas and Easter.  Please phone before visiting).

If you are unable to visit during these hours, it is possible to arrange another time.  Please phone the Libary and leave your contact details to discuss options. NB:  Our staff are volunteers, so please phone before making a special journey.  Tel: 01384 376 444. 

I need an idea for the family service this Sunday…

• I’ve got to do another assembly on friendship…
• Where can I find the books on the spirituality reading list?
• Our parish library is getting very dusty….
• I’ve run out of ideas for the study group….
• Someone’s just asked me for a book about the Gospels, and mine are all in Greek (or might as well be)
• Is there a book that will help this person at this difficult time?
• I’ve got to preach on Malachi on Thursday….
• I’m trying to encourage the church to pray
• Why did I agree to do a talk on Urban mission?

Our Library is free and here to be used! Our foundation is ecumenical and anyone can borrow our books. We’re based in New Road Methodist church on the ring road in Stourbridge, with parking usually available in the church car park.

Books may be borrowed at any time that the Library is open. Books can be returned in person or by post, or to the Diocesan Library in Worcester. The initial borrowing period is two months and you can then renew your books by phone if you still want them. There is a fines system which starts only if you ignore the third reminder.

Are your parishioners fed up of the parish Library?

We can set up a programme of rolling visits, perhaps every two months, which means books can be returned to your church and put back in the box next time it comes. We will prepare a box of books for collection from Stourbridge each time, and on the first occasion if you want one of us will come and introduce the Library to the congregation.

We can also prepare a box of books on a specific subject for a specific event, but you will have to find someone to collect them from Stourbridge during the week before and return them during the week after.

Our main strengths are

• Books on prayer and books of prayers and books of devotional readings
• Resources for spirituality, with a very strong section on St Francis and the Franciscans
• Books on the reading lists for reader training, Bishop’s Certificate, Spirituality courses and ordination training
• Books on exploring vocation and ministry (ordained and lay)
• Resources and inspiration for children’s and youth work.
• Books on pastoral care, and books suitable for lending to those in difficult times
• Commentaries and books about the Bible, including many appropriate for those with no theological training.

We aim to have books for anyone who would find a book a help in their Christian journey. For more information please visit us.

How to find us