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	August 2004				Some of the children's books in the Book Room   The Anglican Book Room has a large range of books and cards.
		An inspired idea - books with a mission by Miriam Court
			How many books have you bought this year? How much have you given to mission? If, like most of us, you’ve spent more than you intended, and given less than you would have liked, did you know that there is a way in which each book you buy can make a contribution to mission? It’s one of those everyday miracles that come about through an inspired idea and the daily efforts of faithful and skilled volunteers. The Anglican Book Room is a bookshop with a mission. We know it as a specialist bookshop serving the Anglican community - but it’s more. The Book Room has always been entirely staffed by volunteers, with expenses kept to a minimum. The aim has been to ensure that as much as possible goes directly to mission and the entire net profit is divided between ABM and CMS. In the financial year to 30 June 2004, the Book Room has given $6,000 to mission. At the same time, it is also the Book Room’s mission to make Christian books and worship materials available at reasonable prices. Whenever possible, they give a discount (on books only) to parishes, schools and clergy. The story of the Book Room begins in 1985. The Diocesan Book Shop had closed, and Bishop Mervyn Stanton saw a need for a bookshop for the Anglican community. With the help of Mrs Barbara Briggs he opened the Anglican Book Room at 125 Macquarie Street. It had a small stock and opened only two days a week. After several years at 125 Macquarie Street it moved to the Bishop Hay Centre. But towards the end of 2001 it was faced with a serious problem: a rental increase. Still needing to keep expenses to a minimum, the Book Room faced closure. Fortunately the Book Room was able to move to St George's Church at Battery Point, at the beginning of 2002. There are no steep stairs to negotiate, and parking is more readily available. So what will you find when you come to the Anglican Book Room? A friendly welcome from the staff; a good selection of Christian books; many different translations of the Bible; commentaries and hymn books; a wide range of children’s books with children’s prayers, songs, stories; worship resources, prayers, hymns and the latest books on religion. If you are planning theological or pastoral study, check with the Book Room to see whether the books you need are in stock. The staff are willing and experienced, and dedicated to providing an efficient service. They have trading accounts with all the major religious publishers in Australia. The Book Room has access to a wide range of general books from leading Australian publishers, such as Penguin Books and HarperCollins, but a little time is needed to enable them to do this. The Book Room also sells greeting cards at very reasonable prices, candles and clerical shirts. At the Anglican Book Room the mission is to raise money for mission - but the work can continue only if you, the book-buyers, give it your support. The Book Room is open 10 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday at 30 Cromwell Street, Battery Point 7004, or phone or fax 03 6223 8504.