The Gloria Dei Church library began in November, 1933. It was organized by a St. Paul Public Library librarian, Helen Berger Samuelson. By February 1934 the library contained 150 books and the congregation was encouraged to donate books. Each month new books were listed in the church newsletter, Temple Bells. Both children and adults were invited to "draw" books prior to the beginning of Sunday School.

In the 1940's while the library remained part of the Sunday School, another group of women gathered under the names of Gloria Dei Girls Business Club (1944), Young Women's Guild (1946), and the Fidels (1949). These women held monthly social events such as picnics, bicycling, canoeing, and supported service projects such as gifts for 'men in foreign service’ and Christmas baskets for the needy, and sponsored a Girl Scout troop. Their funds raisers provided money for camp scholarships for the Girl Scouts.

In 1955, the women from the Fidels with the money from their treasury formed the Gloria Dei Library Guild which is the organization as we know it today. Social events such as teas and pot luck suppers continued but maintaining the library was their focus. About fifteen women attended the monthly meetings along with pastors who alternated meetings. The pastors assisted with the selection of books to be purchased. The idea of "field trips" began with an annual trip to an outside library related resource such as Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, and other libraries. These annual trips continued until 2005 when most women were employed outside the home and no longer available for day activities. Book reviews became a regular part of the library's program. IDEALS magazine was sold for income to support the library. The use of book jackets began in these years.

The 1960's focused on building the book inventory which totaled about 2400, and improving the physical facilities. Much of the furniture currently in use the library today was purchased during this decade. The card catalogue was set up and cross referenced. Money ($500.00) was requested from the church council to operate and build the library collection. In 1963 the idea of a lending library of art was proposed by Ruth Stolz Johnson. She pursued this dream and is largely responsible for the collection we have today. Her financial legacy is the basis of income for the expansion of the art collection. The 'lovely tradition' of memorial books began during this decade and continues today. In cooperation with the Women of Gloria Dei (formerly Lutheran Church Women), a book is purchased in memorial for each women member of Gloria Dei who died the past year.

By the 1970's, the library had 3200 plus books and an annual circulation of 2100 items. The cassette tape library began in 1974. Homebound members could request books, magazines, and tapes for delivery to then* homes. Story hour was provided during VBS (Vacation Bible School). The hall bulletin board was maintained regularly by the library members. Library aides who were high school students worked regularly for confirmation credit.

In 1985, the library moved to it's present location on the lower level at the crossroads of activity on Sunday mornings. The two spacious rooms allowed for building the collection to over 4000 books. Prior to this location the library was next to the office on the first floor (1964-1985) and in room 101 which was space shared with the Parish Education Office (1955-1964). Books were shelved in Sunday School rooms in the early beginnings.

The video tape collection began in the 1990's and continues to be popular with the children today. DVDs began to be added in the 2000s and probably will replace videos in use. The 'library committee' meetings were shorter in order to add time for mundane library duties. The 'committee' joined other organizations in serving Lenten suppers.

Two major changed for the library occurred hi the beginning of the 2000s. The Dewey Decimal System, which was thought to be too complicated in the 1950's, replaced the John Irwin Christian Library System.   Secondly, the library became computerized using the Cross Library System. The card catalogue became outdated. Using the computer facilitated locating books, accessioning books and developing an over due list. The checkout system of writing name on cards continues as is popular with parents and children. In 2005, the church council approved internet hookup for the library and the library is featured on the church's web site. The use of email began to communicate with members, send notices of meetings, and allow for discussion of issues facing the library. Members attending meetings declined but volunteers working on Sunday morning remained at about 25 persons. The art collection which contains over 100 items is photographed and notes about the artist and the work are written and displayed on the web site. A disc of the photos is stored in the church safe.

The library at Gloria Dei Church is self-supporting through gifts, memorials, and interest on investment. With the exception of a few years in the 1970s, when the church budgeted $230.00 a year for the library, no money is received from the church budget. In 1969 a large bequest was made by Miss Mae Lampert for the purchase of books. This is now the basis of the book investment interest income. As previously indicated, interest from the Ruth Stolz Johnson memorials investment provides income to maintain and expand the art collection. The library is grateful to other individuals for their contributions to the library. Wayne Johnson, an elementary teacher, has donated hundreds of books to the children's collection as well as many Time-Life series. Diane Monson, UofM children's literature professor, has given many first edition copies from her library. Donations from the congregation are always appreciated.

The Gloria Dei Church library is a member of the National Church Library Association (formerly Lutheran Church Library Association) and the Twin Cities chapter of this organization.

Over the years, the library has sought to accommodate the changing needs of the Gloria Dei congregation. Library hours and activities have changed but Sunday mornings have been the constant time to be open. Other times the library has been open correspond with VBS (vacation bible school), religious instruction (1940s public school religious release time), Saturday mornings, Wednesday evenings which correspond with Lenten services, choir and confirmation activities. Summer reading programs were promoted, story hours were a regular part of VBS, and book reviews were given at meeting.

In 2005 the library developed the following mission statement which serves as a guide in the selection of new materials.

The Mission Of The Gloria Dei Church Library Is To Maintain Books, Periodicals, Works Of Art And Other Media To Promote Spiritual Growth And Provide For The Educational And Recreational Needs That Are Consistent With The Christian Values Of The Gloria Dei Community.

The following persons have served as president or 'directress** of the Gloria Dei library.

1933-1945 Helen Berger Samuelson

1946 Lorraine Lidstad

1947-1949 Lois Lundberg

1950 Joyce Schwain

1951 Ardis Nelson

1952 Phyllis Johnson

1953 Harriet Mershon

1954 Jean Nelson

1955-1956 Dorothy Erlandson

1957-1959 Dorothy Murphy

1959-1961 Jean Nelson

1961-1963 Dorothy Murphy

1963-1966 Ruth Hanson

1966-1969 Bea Bergstedt

1969-1974 Harriet Mershon

1974-1985 Ethel Paulson

1985-1990 unknown

1990-1992 Shirley Neal

1992-1993 Vicki Nelson

1994-1995 Helen Wood

1995-2000 Florence O. Johnson

2000-2007 Constance O. Anderson

Prepared by Constance Anderson, Library President, in preparation for the 100 anniversary of the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.