Library

No further events for December 2024

The DoMN Library acknowledges First Australian peoples as the Traditional Custodians of this country and their continued connection to land, sea, and culture.  We pay respect to the resilience and strength of Ancestors and Elders past, present, and emerging and extend respect to all First Australian peoples. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are advised that this website may contain images, voices and videos of deceased persons. Users are warned that there may be words and descriptions that may be culturally sensitive and which might not normally be used in certain public or community contexts. Terms and annotations that reflect the attitude of the author or the period in which the item was written, may be considered inappropriate today.

Register for Membership

Not yet a DoMN Library member? Membership is free for those actively involved in the Maitland Newcastle Diocese.

To register click on REGISTER toward the top right-hand corner of the LIBRARY CATALOGUE.

Ensure all fields on the form are completed so that your membership can be processed promptly:

• provide a current email address – most communications, such as reminder notices, are system-generated email messages,
• area of involvement – please select the category that best suits you.

You will receive an email to advise that your account has been created.

Please contact the Library if you encounter any problems.

E: domnlibrary@mn.catholic.org.au  P: 0409 033 449

On August 4, 2024, a message from Pope Francis to candidates for the priesthood, pastoral workers and all Christians, was published. In this letter he outlined “the role of literature in formation”.
This message aligns with the latest offering from the Diocesan Resource Centre, a monthly Book Club. A chance for people to gather and share their thoughts, feelings and recommendations on books they have recently read.

Pope Francis, in his letter, aims to encourage “a renewed love for reading” and to remember that “literature can educate the hearts and minds” and lead to greater personal and spiritual maturity. In a period in history where so much of our time is taken up with social media, the internet, gaming and mobile phones Pope Francis says that a good book can “provide an oasis that keeps us from other choices that are less wholesome”.

The 12-page letter by Pope Francis quotes authors such as Proust and C.S. Lewis, as well as theologians, previous Popes and saints in outlining his case for recreational reading. He also references the current scientific studies that show the physical and intellectual benefits of reading. These include increased vocabulary, lower blood pressure and heart rates, lower rates of cognitive decline, increased brain connectivity in the somatosensory cortex and increased empathy. The full text of Pope Francis’ letter can be read here.

As Pope Francis so eloquently states “reading prepares us to understand and thus deal with various situations that arise in life. In reading, we immerse ourselves in the thoughts, concerns, tragedies, dangers and fears of characters who in the end overcome life’s challenges. Perhaps too, in following a story to the end, we gain insights that will later prove helpful in our own lives.”

What: Book Club
Where: Diocesan Resource Centre – Library
When: 3^rd Saturday of each month
Time: 11am
Morning Tea Provided
Register Here: domnlibrary@mn.catholic.org.au

Questions to help guide your discussion:

• • Why did you choose to read his book and why are you recommending it to others?
  • Do you identify strongly with any of the main characters and, if so, why?
  • How do you feel the characters responded to the situations with which they were presented?
  • Did you find this book related to any of your own life experiences?
  • What key events stood out to you, and why?
  • Where is Jesus in this book?
  • Do you consider that this book provides opportunities for spiritual growth and reflection?
  • Are there any theological themes present? If so, what did you think of their use?
  • What, if anything, did you find confronting?
  • How did you feel about the ending of the book? Satisfied? Frustrated? Irritated? Disappointed? Inspired?
  • To whom would you recommend this book?

 The DoMN Library is committed to:

• Serving the mission of the Church through the responsible stewardship and maintenance of the valuable assets contained within the library. 
• Serving all users with dignity and respect to enable them to locate and effectively use appropriate library resources.
• Developing a relevant and expanding library collection that provides for the educational and information needs of all library patrons.
• Delivering a high-quality service that anticipates the research and informational needs of its users.
• Promoting all library resources to enhance and make known their availability for all users.
• Helping all users develop effective search techniques to encourage and enable the development of lifelong learning strategies.

If you are wishing to donate items, please contact the staff prior to bringing them to the library or the Diocesan Offices. Given our staffing and space considerations, we are unable to accept unsolicited donations.

Criteria:

1. We now only accept, for consideration, works published during the last twenty years.
2. Items are accepted on the clear understanding that the Library has control over what is kept and what is discarded, and where items will be located.
3. Only items which will enhance the collections directive are added to the Library’s collection.  
4. Books are only accepted on the understanding that they will be assessed in accordance with the DoMN Library Collection Development Policy.
5. Those items not selected for inclusion in the main library collection will be discarded.
6. Substantial donations and those specifying conditions for access, location, treatment or retention must be approved by the Library Manager.

Any queries regarding donations of a historic nature or value should be directed to Team Leader Archives and Research P 02 4979 1200 E enquiries@mn.catholic.org.au

The Library is also pleased to receive financial donations.