Can Public Libraries Carry Creation Resources?

It’s National Library Week here in America. With all the services they offer, from free Wi-Fi to resources on nearly every topic to kids’ reading programs and more, public libraries can be a tremendous resource for families and communities. But the majority of the science-related resources you will find in your public library will be from an evolutionary perspective. Many libraries even carry anti-creation books and materials. But you can help get creation resources into public or school libraries!

Step One: Make a List and Write a Letter

There’s no guarantee your library will decide to carry creation materials, but here are some things you can do to increase your chances of success. It also helps if you are a regular patron at that library.

Begin by searching your library’s catalog (often this can be done online or on a designated computer at the library) or by asking a librarian for help. Note any creation materials the library may already carry. Also note any anti-creation titles, if any.

Choose some creation materials you would like the library to carry. Some good titles to consider include the “basics”: The New Answers Books (four volumes) edited by Ken Ham, The Lie: Evolution/Millions of Years by Ken Ham, and A Flood of Evidence by Bodie Hodge and Ken Ham.

More in-depth and topic-specific titles include Earth’s Catastrophic Past (two volumes) by Dr. Andrew Snelling, Replacing Darwin by Dr. Nathaniel Jeanson, The Created Cosmos and The Expanse of Heaven by Dr. Danny Faulkner, or Searching for Adam by Dr. Terry Mortenson.

For children, Dinosaurs for Kids by Ken Ham, A is for Adam or D is for Dinosaur both by Ken Ham, or The Answers Books for Kids by Ken Ham and Bodie Hodge are great choices.

For a full list of resources visit AnswersBookstore.com.

Select several items to put on your list and present the library with a letter requesting additional materials (your library may have a form for this purpose). Be sure to include the title, author, publisher, and ISBN number.

Step Two: Follow Up

After a few weeks, ask the librarian about the request. If they decided to carry the resources thank them warmly for their consideration. If they decided not to carry the materials, respectfully ask why. If they cite budget constraints, offer to donate a copy. If they state that they won’t carry that type of literature, respectfully inform them that this topic is frequently in the news and of interest to patrons. Politely explain that they carry books with opposing views (if this is the case) and that other public libraries already carry the books on your list or similar resources (find out which libraries carry which resources at WorldCat.org). Be courteous at all times and speak directly with the decision maker.

Building Your Own Library of Knowledge

If you are looking to grow your own library of knowledge, we have a few free resources to highlight for you:

AnswersinGenesis.org. Since you’re reading this article, you probably already know about our website, but we encourage you to check back often. We post an article every day, and many of our speakers have blogs including Ken Ham’s daily blog. Frequently visiting our website is a great way to stay up to date on what’s going on in the culture and science.
Free online books. Our website also features dozens of free online book titles, so you can grow in your knowledge of creation apologetics.
Free online videos. In addition to free articles and books, our website also features dozens of free videos on a wide variety of topics from science and culture to Bible and design.
Answers News. Each Monday and Thursday at 2 p.m. (ET), Ken Ham, Bodie Hodge, and Dr. Georgia Purdom host Answers News. This live show, filmed before a studio audience in Legacy Hall at the Creation Museum, features science and culture items from a biblical worldview. It’s a great resource to stay current on what’s happening around the world, all reported from a biblical worldview. You can watch live from Ken Ham’s Facebook page or watch episodes archived on YouTube.

Other resources to consider:

Answers magazine. This family magazine comes out six times a year and features dozens of articles on science and culture all from a biblical worldview. It even includes a mini pullout magazine for kids, so there’s something for everyone. You can subscribe at AnswersMagazine.com.
Ark Encounter. Come visit the Ark Encounter! This attraction features a full-size Noah’s Ark with three decks of faith-building exhibits, Ararat Ridge Zoo and Petting Area, and much more. It’s a great way to learn more about the Ark, the Flood, and other topics.
Creation Museum. Tour the Creation Museum! This attraction features a walk through biblical history, a planetarium, an insectorium, dinosaur den, botanical gardens, Eden Zoo and Petting Area, and more. You’ll learn about topics such as creation, the age of the earth, and dinosaurs.
AnswersBookstore.com. If you’re looking for physical resources to grow your personal library, we have hundreds of resources on a wide variety of topics such as biblical authority, Christian/creation worldview, science, and culture. You can browse by topics you’re interested in using search tools on the left side of the store.

Building your personal “knowledge library” equips you to share the good news of the gospel and the message of biblical authority with others. It also gives you confidence that God’s Word is true, which often emboldens you to share the gospel. Getting equipped is important for personal growth and evangelism (2 Peter 3:9, 18)!